If you’re searching for a vibrant, comforting meal that brings together bright citrus, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, look no further than this One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe. This one-pot wonder is a harmonious blend of zesty lemon, slightly bitter greens, and meltingly luscious burrata, delivering an Italian feast in every bite. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels both fancy and effortlessly satisfying, sure to win hearts and taste buds alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe truly shine. From the spicy sausage to the tangy lemon and creamy burrata, these simple staples come together brilliantly in this easy-to-make pasta.
- 12 ounces short pasta (orecchiette or penne): Holds sauce beautifully and provides that wonderful chewy base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage to perfection.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Infuses the dish with hearty, savory flavor and a touch of spice.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Essential aromatic that brightens every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat to counterbalance the lemony freshness.
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped): Brings a slight bitterness and vibrant green color to the plate.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The star of the dish, adding a bright, fresh zing.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2–3 small balls): Melts into the pasta with luscious creaminess and richness.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: The magic ingredient that helps bind and loosen the sauce effortlessly.
How to Make One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until al dente. Make sure to save a quarter cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This little bit of liquid is key for creating that silky, perfect sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Using the same pot or a deep skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart gently with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and get nice and crumbly, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. The caramelized bits here are packed with flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sausage is beautifully browned, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything for about one minute until the garlic softens but doesn’t brown — this step infuses the sausage with fragrant warmth.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli Rabe
Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and wilts just right. If you prefer a milder, less bitter flavor, you can blanch the broccoli rabe beforehand, but leaving it slightly bitter adds a wonderful contrast for this dish.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Flavorings
Return the cooked pasta to the pot with the sausage and broccoli rabe. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, mixing everything carefully to coat the pasta. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a smooth, glossy finish. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed to bring out all the delicious flavors.
Step 6: Add Burrata and Serve
Divide the pasta among warm plates, topping each serving with a generous piece of burrata cheese. Let it melt a bit as you dig in for incredible creaminess that ties the entire dish together.
How to Serve One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a bright pop of color and herbaceous depth, while an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a light drizzle of olive oil gives a final touch of indulgence. A few lemon wedges on the side can sharpen the citrus notes even more if guests want.
Side Dishes
This vibrant pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread makes for a complete and satisfying meal. The peppery greens in the salad beautifully complement the bitterness of the broccoli rabe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic feel, serve the pasta directly from the pot family-style, encouraging everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, plating each portion carefully, topping with the burrata last, and adding a sprig of fresh herbs can make the dish look restaurant-ready and oh-so-inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—not that it will last long!—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep well for up to 3 days. Keep the burrata separate until just before serving to maintain its fresh creaminess.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, especially because of the delicate burrata, which doesn’t freeze well. However, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sausage mixture without the cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out. Add fresh burrata after warming for that luscious, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic, you can swap it for chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage. Just make sure it’s flavorful enough to complement the lemon and greens.
What can I substitute for broccoli rabe if I can’t find it?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even broccoli florets make great alternatives. Blanch them slightly if you want a milder taste, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Is it necessary to use burrata cheese?
Burrata adds fantastic creaminess, but if it’s unavailable, fresh mozzarella or creamy ricotta also work well and give that luscious texture to the finished pasta.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. The cooking times and steps remain the same, so no alterations needed!
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy when making this recipe?
Cooking the pasta until just al dente and reserving some pasta water helps maintain a perfect texture. Also, avoid overcooking the broccoli rabe—just wilt it enough to soften but keep a bit of bite.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe is a triumph of simple yet bold flavors coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, combining fresh ingredients and comforting richness in one bowl. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try, especially when you want dinner to be quick, delicious, and a little bit magical.
Print
One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta and spicy Italian sausage with the slightly bitter crunch of broccoli rabe. Accented with bright lemon zest and juice, and finished with creamy burrata cheese, this easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting yet refreshing meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 ounces short pasta (like orecchiette or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (2–3 small balls)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot or deep skillet, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) into the browned sausage. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook broccoli rabe: Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until it wilts and becomes tender but retains some texture. If you prefer less bitterness, blanch the broccoli rabe for 1–2 minutes in boiling water before adding.
- Combine pasta and seasonings: Return the reserved pasta to the pot. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce and help coat the pasta evenly.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Divide the pasta among plates and top each serving with a creamy ball of burrata cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- If broccoli rabe is too bitter, blanch it in boiling water for 1–2 minutes before cooking.
- Burrata can be substituted with fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese if preferred.
- Using gluten-free pasta makes this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce for better coating.
