Broccoli Rabe with Pasta & Sausage

Bring bold, savory flavors to your table with this Broccoli Rabe Pasta with Sausage. Tender, slightly bitter broccoli rabe pairs perfectly with sweet Italian sausage, while Double Roasted Garlic Oil infuses every bite with rich, garlicky depth. Finished with toasted breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of Romano or Parmesan cheese, this dish is a comforting, crowd-pleasing option that’s perfect for easy recipes, satisfying weeknight recipes, and hearty family recipes.

Ingredients

⅓ cup plus 1½ tablespoons Roasted Garlic Oil
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons salt
1½ pounds broccoli rabe, trimmed
1 pound shell pasta
½ pound sweet Italian sausage, bulk
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a small frying pan over medium-low heat, warm 1½ tablespoons Roasted Garlic Oil. Add breadcrumbs, coat with oil, and cook, stirring often, until evenly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Pour onto a plate and cool.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 2 tablespoons salt. Blanch broccoli rabe 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and cool under cold water, then chop coarsely.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions, stirring occasionally.
4. In a skillet, cook sausage, garlic, and red pepper flakes, breaking up the sausage until browned. Stir in broccoli rabe and remaining Roasted Garlic Oil, cooking 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt.
5. Drain pasta, reserving 2 ladlefuls of cooking water. Return pasta to the pot, add sausage mixture and cheese, and toss over low heat, adding reserved water as needed for consistency.
6. Serve on warmed plates, topped with toasted breadcrumbs.