Pasta With Broccoli Di Rape And Sausage
Pasta with broccoli di rape and sausage offers a hearty, flavorful combination of tender greens, savory sausage, and al dente pasta, all coated in a rich, lightly thickened sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that balances bold flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the long stems and tough outer leaves from the broccoli di rape.
- Keep florets and small leaves, cut up, place in a colander, and wash several times.
- Pour oil into a pan on medium heat.
- Lightly crush garlic, place in heated oil, and allow to turn golden, then remove garlic if desired.
- Remove casing from sausage, place meat in the pan, and cook thoroughly, breaking the pieces apart as they cook.
- If garlic has not been removed yet, do so now.
- Drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the pan; add broccoli di rape to the pan and mix with cooked sausage.
- Add chicken broth, mix, and cook for approximately 5 minutes.
- Mix flour and butter together to form a roux and stir into the mixture.
- Cook approximately 5 minutes more until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over cooked pasta and top with grated Italian cheese of choice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you can't find broccoli di rape, broccolini or regular broccoli can be a good substitute. For a lighter version, use chicken sausage instead of turkey. Pair this dish with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sauce, similar to what you might find in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top for added flavor. A side of garlic bread or a green salad would complement the meal nicely. For a heartier option, serve alongside Chicken Marengo, which also features robust Italian flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the pasta from drying out, and heat over low until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—just be sure to cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Broccoli Di Rape And Sausage contains roughly 255 calories, with 21g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2334mg per serving (101% 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 a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any type of sausage you prefer, such as pork or chicken sausage. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type you choose to use.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that will work well with the sauce and ingredients in this recipe.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
To achieve a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after thickening with the roux. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired creaminess, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
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).