One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata

There’s something magical about a one-pot pasta dish that feels indulgent yet light, vibrant, and full of bold flavors. This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata is all that and more! Imagine perfectly cooked pasta that’s coated in a tangy lemon sauce, with juicy sausage and tender, slightly bitter broccoli rabe that creates the perfect balance. Then, to top it all off, we’ve got creamy burrata, which melts into the pasta, making every bite feel like a luxurious treat. Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this dish. It’s quick, satisfying, and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Let’s take a closer look at why you’ll love it:

Versatile: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like pasta, sausage, and a few fresh veggies, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal.

Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pot wonder that takes just a little over 30 minutes to whip up. The hardest part is waiting for that delicious lemony aroma to fill your kitchen.

Customizable: You can swap out ingredients to suit your tastes! If you’re not a fan of sausage, try chicken or even a vegetarian protein. You can also play around with the type of pasta or adjust the lemon’s zing to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and tangy, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this pasta—it’s a simple combo of flavorful ingredients that create a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts:

Pasta: The base of the dish. Any pasta works here, but I love using something like orecchiette, rigatoni, or spaghetti to really hold onto the sauce and all that goodness.

Sausage: The sausage brings savory, rich flavor to the dish. I suggest using Italian sausage, whether spicy or mild, depending on your preference. The meat crisps up just beautifully when browned, adding texture and flavor to every bite.

Broccoli Rabe: This slightly bitter, leafy green adds depth to the dish, balancing the richness of the sausage and the creaminess of the burrata. If you can’t find broccoli rabe, kale or spinach would also work well.

Lemon: The fresh citrus flavor lifts the dish, giving it a bright and zesty punch. You’ll want both lemon zest and juice for the perfect balance of flavor.

Burrata: Creamy, indulgent burrata adds a luxurious touch to the pasta, melting into the dish for a rich, decadent experience. This is the secret ingredient that will have everyone swooning.

Olive Oil: Used to cook the sausage and vegetables, olive oil is essential for adding richness and depth to the overall flavor.

Garlic: The aromatic base that complements the sausage and brings out the other flavors. A good dose of garlic makes everything better.

Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds the perfect touch of heat, balancing the richness of the sausage and burrata.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan is added for an extra layer of savory, umami goodness, rounding out the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This one-pot wonder comes together quickly, so here’s how to make it happen:

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining—it’ll help create a silky sauce later!

Brown the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté the Garlic and Greens: Add the garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Then, toss in the broccoli rabe (or your choice of greens) and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the Pasta and Lemon: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sausage and greens. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce is nice and creamy.

Finish with Burrata: Tear the burrata into chunks and stir it gently into the pasta. The creamy cheese will melt into the sauce, making everything even more indulgent.

Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and freshly grated parmesan for a little extra kick and flavor. Serve the pasta hot, topped with fresh herbs if you like!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 600

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some ideas to elevate the meal:

Simple Side Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing salad—think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread: Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little extra garlic bread to soak up all that saucy goodness?

Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted veggies, like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini, for added color and flavor.

As a Standalone: This dish is so satisfying on its own, you don’t need much else. Just top it off with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for that extra pop of flavor and color.

Presentation Tip: Serve the pasta in a large bowl and top it with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy touch.

Additional Tips

Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few helpful tips:

Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping the sausage and chopping the garlic and greens ahead of time. That way, everything comes together even faster.

Spice It Up: If you like a little more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to kick things up a notch.

Dietary Adjustments: If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can also use a dairy-free cheese in place of burrata.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to bring back the creaminess.

Double the Batch: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a double batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but I recommend something with a bit of texture to hold onto the sauce, like rigatoni, orecchiette, or even fettuccine.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare everything in advance (cook the sausage, sauté the garlic and greens), but I recommend waiting to add the burrata and finishing the pasta right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to help revive the creamy sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: I don’t recommend freezing the burrata, as it may lose its creamy texture. However, the pasta and sausage can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a little reserved pasta water or broth to help bring the sauce back to life.

Q6: Can I use a different green instead of broccoli rabe?
A6: Yes! You can use kale, spinach, or even arugula if you prefer. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Q7: Is this dish gluten-free?
A7: It’s not, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Q8: Can I use a different cheese besides burrata?
A8: Burrata is ideal for its creaminess, but fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or even goat cheese would work as well for a different twist.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables to the pasta?
A9: Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like roasted red peppers, peas, or even mushrooms for more variety.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just be sure to use a larger pot and adjust cooking times as needed. It’s a great dish to make in bulk.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for something rich, zesty, and full of flavor. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious—a true weeknight winner that feels like a treat. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or serving it to friends, this pasta is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this comforting, creamy, and tangy masterpiece—you won’t regret it!

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