Description
This one-pot lemony pasta with sausage, broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata is a flavorful and easy Italian-inspired main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish balances zesty lemon, savory sausage, slightly bitter greens, and rich cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying meal all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as orecchiette or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 balls burrata cheese (torn into pieces)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: Using the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics and greens: Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are slightly wilted but still vibrant.
- Combine pasta and flavors: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is creamy and evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Serve with burrata: Remove the pot from the heat. Top the pasta with torn pieces of burrata cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Substitute spinach or kale for a milder green if broccoli rabe is too bitter.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter, zestier flavor if preferred.
- Always add burrata cheese just before serving to preserve its creamy texture.
