This one-pot pasta dish is a delightful combination of savory sausage, bitter broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata, with a zesty lemon kick. The Parmesan and lemon sauce beautifully coat the pasta for a light yet satisfying meal.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine:italian
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb rigatoni or other pasta
Kosher salt, to taste
10 oz broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb sweet Italian sausage, crumbled
8 oz fennel bulb, sliced (reserve fennel fronds for garnish)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper
2 lemons, zested and juiced
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
8 oz burrata cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
ook the Pasta and Broccoli Rabe:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
Add the broccoli rabe to the boiling water 1 minute before the pasta is done.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli rabe together.
Cook the Sausage and Fennel:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat.
Add the fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (5-6 minutes).
Stir in the garlic and sausage, cooking until the sausage is browned and crisp, breaking it up as it cooks.
Combine the Ingredients:
Stir in the crushed red pepper and lemon zest, cooking for about 1 minute.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli rabe mixture back to the pot.
Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
Slowly add the reserved pasta water, starting with 1/2 cup, and stir until a sauce forms and clings to the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed.
Serve:
Divide the pasta into bowls.
Top each serving with burrata cheese, fresh basil leaves, and reserved fennel fronds.
Serve warm and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Notes
Vegan Option: Skip the burrata and use a plant-based cheese alternative or simply enjoy the pasta with the lemon-Parmesan sauce.
Sausage Variations: Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick or chicken sausage for a lighter option.