Sausage, Pepper, and Broccoli Rabe Pasta
As you all know, Joe and I have implemented “pasta Sundays” into our routine and we never want to look back. If there is ever a sausage and pepper pasta on a menu, it is a 9/10 guarantee that Joe will be ordering it. However, although I know his love for this dish, I still hadn’t added it to our rotation. Oh how things have changed! Already we’ve had this easy and flavorful dish three times since the first time making it and I feel confident in saying it will be on repeat for the near future. A great option for a family or big group meal or if you’re someone who likes to meal prep for the week. Make a big batch of this, reheat, and enjoy!
Sausage, Pepper, and Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Yield: 4
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min
Joe’s favorite Sunday pasta dish
Ingredients
- Sausage (3 links) – I used the Trader Joe’s Organic Italian Chicken Sausage
- Parmesan cheese – grated (1/2 cup)
- Bell pepper (1)
- Broccoli rabe or broccolini (2 bunches)
- Garlic (2 cloves)
- Fusilli pasta (around 8 ounces)
- Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons) – I used Colavita
- Sun-dried tomato pesto (1 tablespoon) – I used Colavita; this is optional
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and dice the bell pepper and broccoli rabe (or broccolini) into small pieces and set aside
- Bring a pot of water to boil
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente
- Remove ¼ cup of the pasta water and set aside, then strain the pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, bring a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Once the skillet is hot, add in the minced garlic and cook for ~3-5 minutes, or until fragrant
- Add the diced bell pepper and broccoli rabe / broccolini to the skillet
- Season the vegetables with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 2 teaspoons of salt and pepper
- Sauté the vegetables for ~10 minutes, or until they begin to crisp
- Cut the sausage links in half lengthwise and then again in half lengthwise
- With the four long “columns” of sausage links, cut them into small ¼ inch wide pieces so you have little quarter disks
- Add the sausage to the skillet with the vegetables and sauté for an additional ~10 minutes
- Once the sausage and vegetables are crisped and cooked through, add the pasta and the ¼ cup of pasta water to the skillet and stir to combine
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato pesto (if using)
- Mix well, remove from the heat, and serve!
Allergen Information
- Gluten Free (depending on pasta used)
- Soy Free
- Nut free