ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI RABE PASTA RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut the broccoli rabe into 3 to 4 inch pieces, discarding the stems. In a large pot of rapidly boiling water, blanch the broccoli rabe until tender and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Before you drain broccoli rabe, reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid. Drain and rinse the broccoli rabe with cold water until it has cooled off. Spread it out on a towel to finish draining.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
• While the pasta is cooking, place 2 tablespoons of water into a cold skillet with garlic and sausage and then turn heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden and sausage is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Pour reserved broccoli water into pan with sausage.
• When the pasta is cooked, drain it and place back in pot you cooked it in and season with salt. Pour sausage sauce over pasta and stir in cooked broccoli rabe. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately.
• If the Queen's coming to dinner: Garnish with fresh bread crumbs and/or freshly grated pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese.

Steps:

• Cut broccoli rabe in quarters.
• Bring a large pot of water to boil. When it comes to a rolling boil, add broccoli rabe.
• Blanch for about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, drain and set aside in a colander.
• Re-fill pot with water and salt for the pasta and bring back to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.
• In a large deep sauté pan, brown sausage on medium heat, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks.
• When completely cooked through set aside in a dish or a bowl.
• Increase heat to medium high, add olive oil to the pan; when hot add garlic and cook until golden (don't burn).
• Return broccoli rabe to the pan, mix well with the garlic and oil, season with salt and pepper and cook about a minute. Return cooked sausage to the pan and mix well.
• Drain pasta and add to the broccoli rabe. Reduce heat and stir for about 30 seconds.
• Add chicken broth, parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste and toss another 30 seconds so that everything is mixed well and the pasta is coated with the sauce.
• Remove from heat and add to a large pasta dish or divide equally between 6 pasta bowls. Serve with additional grated cheese if you desire.