Sausage, Broccoli & Burrata Pasta (Print Version)
Crispy Italian sausage, tender broccoli, rigatoni, lemon, Pecorino, and burrata folded into a glossy cream sauce.
# Ingredients:
For the pasta
01 -
12 oz (340 g) mezze rigatoni, rigatoni, or cavatappi
02 -
Kosher salt, for the pasta water
03 -
1 1/2 cups reserved pasta water
For the sausage and broccoli
04 -
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
05 -
12 oz (340 g) spicy or sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
06 -
12 oz (340 g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
07 -
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
08 -
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
09 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For the creamy finish
10 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
11 -
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
12 -
1/2 cup (45 g) finely grated Pecorino Romano
13 -
4 oz (115 g) burrata, torn into pieces
14 -
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
15 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until 2 minutes shy of al dente, then reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water and drain.
02 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage in small chunks and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
03 -
Transfer the sausage to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the broccoli to the skillet, season lightly with salt, and cook for 5-7 minutes until bright green, browned in spots, and tender-crisp.
04 -
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
05 -
Add the cream, lemon zest, drained pasta, and 3/4 cup pasta water. Simmer, tossing often, for 3-5 minutes until the pasta is al dente and coated in a glossy sauce. Add more pasta water as needed.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sausage, broccoli, Pecorino Romano, basil, and black pepper. Tear burrata over the top, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and serve right away.
# Notes:
01 -
Serve immediately so the burrata stays creamy and cool against the hot pasta.
02 -
Use spicy sausage for more balance, or sweet sausage with red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
03 -
Nutrition is an estimate per serving.