Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe: A Flavorful Italian Classic

This recipe for Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe (also known as *Pasta con Salsiccia e Broccoli Rabe* or *Cime di Rapa*) is a classic Italian dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The slightly bitter broccoli rabe perfectly complements the savory sausage, while the penne pasta provides a satisfying base. This is a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into the details and create this delicious meal!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Balance:** The bitterness of the broccoli rabe is balanced by the richness of the sausage and the salty Parmesan cheese. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat, while garlic provides an aromatic base.
* **Texture Contrast:** The tender penne pasta, slightly wilted broccoli rabe, and crumbled sausage create a satisfying textural experience.
* **Simple Ingredients:** This dish relies on a handful of high-quality ingredients, allowing their flavors to shine.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this recipe can be on the table in about 30-40 minutes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Penne Pasta:** 1 pound. Penne’s ridges hold the sauce beautifully. You can substitute other pasta shapes like orecchiette, cavatappi, or rigatoni if desired.
* **Broccoli Rabe (Cime di Rapa):** 1 large bunch (about 1 pound). Look for firm, dark green leaves and tight florets. Avoid broccoli rabe with yellowing leaves or overly large stems.
* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound, sweet or hot (or a combination). Remove the sausage from its casings. For a lighter version, use chicken or turkey sausage.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves, minced. Garlic is crucial for the aromatic base of this dish. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon (or more to taste). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder dish.
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup, extra virgin. Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Chicken Broth (or Pasta Water):** 1/2 cup. This helps create a light sauce and ensures the pasta is perfectly coated.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli rabe can be a bit bitter, so it’s important to prepare it properly. Here’s how:

1. **Wash the Broccoli Rabe:** Thoroughly wash the broccoli rabe under cold running water. Remove any tough or yellowing leaves.
2. **Trim the Stems:** Trim off the tough ends of the stems. If the stems are thick, you can peel them with a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer.
3. **Chop the Broccoli Rabe:** Chop the broccoli rabe into 1-2 inch pieces. Separate the florets from the stems, as the florets cook faster. The stems may take longer to become tender.
4. **Blanch (Optional):** Blanching the broccoli rabe can help reduce its bitterness. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened and bright green. Drain the broccoli rabe and immediately plunge it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.

*Note: Blanching is optional, but it’s recommended if you’re sensitive to bitter flavors. If you skip blanching, you may need to cook the broccoli rabe for a longer time in the pan.*

### 2. Cook the Sausage

1. **Remove Sausage from Casings:** If using sausage in casings, remove the sausage from its casings. This allows the sausage to crumble nicely and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
2. **Brown the Sausage:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If the sausage releases a lot of fat, you can drain off some of the excess.
3. **Remove Sausage (Temporarily):** Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pan – it will add flavor to the dish.

### 3. Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli Rabe

1. **Sauté the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage fat (or add a little more olive oil if needed). Cook over medium-low heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. **Add Broccoli Rabe:** Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. If you didn’t blanch the broccoli rabe, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to help it steam and become tender. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli rabe is tender and slightly wilted. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. If you blanched the broccoli rabe, it will cook faster, about 5-7 minutes. You want the stems to be easily pierced with a fork.
3. **Add Red Pepper Flakes:** Stir in the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your preference for heat.

### 4. Cook the Pasta

1. **Cook Pasta According to Package Directions:** While the broccoli rabe is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Drain Pasta:** Drain the pasta in a colander.

### 5. Combine and Finish the Dish

1. **Add Sausage to Broccoli Rabe:** Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the broccoli rabe.
2. **Add Pasta to Sauce:** Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli rabe. Toss to combine.
3. **Add Chicken Broth (or Pasta Water):** Add the chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) to the skillet. This will help create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Toss to combine and cook for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. **Add Parmesan Cheese:** Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine. The cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce.
5. **Season to Taste:** Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

### 6. Serve

1. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Al dente pasta is key to a good pasta dish. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold the sauce well.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the dish throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is especially important with salt, as the sausage and Parmesan cheese can be quite salty.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using good quality olive oil, sausage, and Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Control the Bitterness:** If you’re sensitive to bitter flavors, blanching the broccoli rabe is a good idea. You can also add a pinch of sugar to the skillet while cooking the broccoli rabe to help balance the bitterness.
* **Add a Squeeze of Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or simply omit it altogether. You can add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein and texture.

## Variations

* **Spicy:** Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* **Creamy:** Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier sauce.
* **With Tomatoes:** Add a can of diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the broccoli rabe for a tomato-based sauce.
* **With Breadcrumbs:** Toast some breadcrumbs in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the pasta before serving for added texture and flavor.
* **With Pine Nuts:** Add toasted pine nuts for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Side Dish:** Serve with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
* **Wine Pairing:** Pair with a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
* **Appetizer:** Serve as a small portion as an appetizer.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the broccoli rabe and sausage ahead of time. Cook the sausage and chop the broccoli rabe according to the instructions. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the dish, simply sauté the garlic and broccoli rabe, add the sausage, and continue with the recipe. Cooking the pasta fresh is best, but cooked pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days as well.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

## Recipe Card

**Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe**

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound penne pasta
* 1 large bunch broccoli rabe (about 1 pound), chopped
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* Salt and black pepper, to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Wash and chop the broccoli rabe.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
4. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add broccoli rabe and cook until tender and slightly wilted, about 8-10 minutes (or 5-7 minutes if blanched).
5. Stir in red pepper flakes.
6. Add cooked sausage back to the skillet with the broccoli rabe.
7. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
8. Add chicken broth (or pasta water) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
9. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe! This dish is a true celebration of Italian flavors and is sure to become a family favorite.