BROCCOLI RABE, SAUSAGE AND PASTA

BROCCOLI RABE, SAUSAGE AND PASTA image

Categories Pasta

Number Of Ingredients 8

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2 Tbs. salt
1 bunch broccoli rabe, about 1 1/2 lb., trimmed and roughly chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and meat crumbled
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. ground fennel seed
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 lb. orecchiette, farfalle or other medium-size pasta

Steps:

Make the sauce Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and broccoli rabe to the boiling water. Cover and cook until nearly tender, 4 minutes. Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl and set aside. Return the water to a boil. In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the sausage and sautÃÂ©, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4 minutes. Drain off all but 4 Tbs. fat from the pan. Add the garlic, fennel seed and red pepper flakes and sautÃÂ© until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the broccoli rabe and stir to combine. Cook the pasta Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Add as much of the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce and serve. Serves 4.