One Pot Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a perfect example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Broccoli rabe (also called rapini), Italian sausage and creamy garlic and caramelized onion Alfredo sauce are all delicious ingredients on their own. But together, they make the most fantastic one pot pasta dish! The bitterness of the broccoli rabe balances the richness of the sausage and the creaminess of the garlic and caramelized onion Alfredo sauce (so good!). We also love this with a little crushed red pepper for a spicy twist. The pasta cooks with everything else in one pot, making for an easy weeknight meal.
Step 1
Heat a 6-quart saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Step 2
Add the broccoli rabe, onion, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for 5 minutes or until the broccoli rabe is wilted, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
Add the sauce, broth and uncooked penne and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 15 minutes or until the penne is tender, stirring occasionally (stirring is important to separate the pasta and prevent sticking). Stir in the lemon juice and zest, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the pine nuts before serving, if desired.
