One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s bright, hearty, and irresistibly creamy, look no further than the One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This all-in-one pasta brings together zesty lemon, savory sausage, bitter greens, and the dreamiest burrata for an Italian-inspired dinner that dazzles every time. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave on cozy weeknights and show off to friends at your next dinner party—easy, vibrant, and stunningly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so special is how each ingredient plays a starring role, yet the whole thing comes together with that one-pot magic. These simple components combine to create layers of flavor, color, and texture—let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why.
- Short pasta (12 oz): Orecchiette or rigatoni are perfect for catching all the saucy goodness, but any sturdy short pasta will do the trick.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to coax out the sausage’s flavor and bring everything together with a silky touch.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): The heart of the dish—choose sweet or spicy depending on your mood for a punch of protein and rich flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.
- Broccoli rabe (1 bunch, trimmed and chopped): Adds vibrant color and a pleasantly bitter note that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick that’s totally customizable—add more or less to suit your spice preference.
- Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): The secret to that sunny brightness, lifting the whole dish with citrusy zing.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For salty, umami richness and a creamy finish to the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup): Helps everything meld into a luscious, glossy sauce you’ll want to swoon over.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste as you go!
- Fresh burrata cheese (2 balls, torn): The dazzling crown—creamy, decadent, and utterly swoon-worthy.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, optional): A final flourish of green for freshness and color.
How to Make One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your chosen short pasta. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions—this keeps the pasta perfectly toothsome and ensures it won’t get mushy later. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In the same pot, pour in a splash of olive oil and heat it over medium. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle and brown—those caramelized bits at the bottom are packed with flavor and will infuse the whole dish with savory magic.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sausage is cooked through, stir in your minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Give it just a minute—enough for the garlic to become fragrant and mellow, but not so long that it burns. This step is where the aroma really starts to fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Add the Broccoli Rabe
Toss in the chopped broccoli rabe, stirring to coat everything in those garlicky, sausagey juices. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the greens are tender and their color turns vibrant. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can blanch the broccoli rabe ahead of time to tame its bitterness.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Make the Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and that magical reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat, letting the cheese melt and the sauce turn creamy and glossy. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper—taste and adjust as needed until every bite sings.
Step 6: Fold in Burrata and Serve
Take the pot off the heat and gently fold in torn pieces of fresh burrata. The warmth of the pasta will soften the cheese, creating irresistible pockets of creamy richness throughout. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. The result: One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is already a showstopper, but a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and herbal brightness. If you want extra zing, grate a little more lemon zest over the top right before serving. And for cheese lovers, a final dusting of Parmesan never hurts!
Side Dishes
One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also fantastic with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon. Pair it with crusty bread to mop up every creamy, cheesy bit, or serve alongside roasted veggies for an even more colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, try serving the pasta family-style in a big, shallow platter, letting the burrata take center stage. Or portion it into individual bowls and top each with an extra nugget of burrata and a scattering of fresh herbs. For a playful twist, serve it in mini cast-iron pans for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a truly crave-worthy lunch the next day. Just remember to keep any extra burrata separate and add it fresh after reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions without the burrata for up to one month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently before topping with fresh burrata. The cheese won’t freeze well, but the pasta and sausage hold up nicely.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to keep it creamy. If you’re reheating in the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Always add the burrata just before serving for maximum creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different green instead of broccoli rabe?
Absolutely! Broccoli rabe brings a lovely bitterness, but you can swap in broccolini, spinach, or even kale for a milder flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so the greens stay vibrant and tender.
What kind of sausage works best?
You can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your taste. If you like a bit of heat, opt for spicy; if you want something milder, go for sweet. Chicken or turkey sausage also work well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How do I make the dish vegetarian?
For a meatless version, simply omit the sausage and add extra veggies such as sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes. Boost the savory flavor with a touch more Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe without worry.
Do I have to use burrata?
Burrata adds an incredible creamy texture, but if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta makes a lovely substitute. Even a swirl of heavy cream will add richness in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a meal that’s easy yet unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. It’s a joyful celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for sharing with your favorite people. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This one pot lemony pasta with sausage, broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata is a vibrant and hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. The combination of zesty lemon, savory sausage, and fresh greens makes every bite a deliciously balanced experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (like orecchiette or rigatoni)
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese, torn into pieces
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Brown sausage: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sausage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook broccoli rabe: Stir in chopped broccoli rabe. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender and vibrantly green.
- Combine pasta and flavors: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat until creamy and well combined.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Add burrata: Remove from heat and gently fold torn burrata pieces into the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pasta warm and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- To reduce the bitterness of broccoli rabe, blanch it in boiling water for 1 minute before adding it to the pot.
- You can customize the dish with either sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
- For a creamier texture, add more reserved pasta water as needed while tossing the pasta.
- Fresh burrata provides a luscious finish; if unavailable, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
