Cavatelli With Broccoli
Cavatelli with broccoli rabe and spicy Italian sausage offers a hearty, flavorful dish blending tender pasta with bitter greens and savory sausage. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines robust flavors with fresh parsley and Parmesan for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, rinsed and cut into 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 lb. frozen cavatelli or 1 lb. dried ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage, casings removed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, rinsed and dried ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add broccoli rabe and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Use a skimmer to remove the broccoli rabe from the water.
- Return the water to a boil.
- Cook cavatelli following package directions and drain.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage and sliced onion; cook for 5 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking up the sausage with a spoon.
- Add chopped garlic and cooked broccoli rabe; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, salt, and black pepper; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in fresh parsley leaves.
- Remove from heat.
- Pour sausage mixture over cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the hot Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables. If you prefer a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage. To enhance the dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Fresh basil can be substituted for parsley for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cavatelli with broccoli alongside a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier option, accompany it with Italian Chicken And Rice or Chicken Cacciatore With Fettuccine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the pasta from drying out, and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatelli With Broccoli contains roughly 1027 calories, with 20g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cavatelli instead of frozen or dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cavatelli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh pasta typically cooks faster than dried or frozen varieties. Keep an eye on it while boiling to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
What can I substitute for broccoli rabe if I can't find it?
If broccoli rabe is unavailable, you can use regular broccoli or steamed kale as a substitute. Both will provide a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. You may want to adjust the cooking time to ensure the greens are tender but not overcooked.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage mixture and cook the cavatelli ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply combine and heat through, adding a splash of broth if needed. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).