Savory Cavatelli with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
This comforting dish of Cavatelli with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Richly flavored with the aromatic notes of sautéed garlic and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes, this recipe offers a delightful balance between the savory sausage and the slightly bitter greens. The cavatelli pasta absorbs all the wonderful flavors, creating a meal that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you still want a home-cooked meal bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (bulk or casing removed)
broccoli rabe
1 lb (trimmed, stems removed)
frozen cavatelli
1 lb (no preparation needed)
garlic cloves
3-4 (thinly sliced)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (no preparation needed)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
black pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
to taste (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bulk Italian sausage. Using a wooden spoon, cook the sausage until it is browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside.
2
While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed broccoli rabe and frozen cavatelli. Cook until the cavatelli is al dente and the broccoli rabe is tender, approximately 11 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 2 cups of the pasta cooking water.
3
In the same skillet used for the sausage, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the skillet drippings. Heat over medium heat until warm. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is lightly golden, around 1 minute.
4
Pour in about 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and bring to a gentle simmer for approximately 1 minute.
5
Add the drained cavatelli and broccoli rabe to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly and allow to simmer for about 2 more minutes.
6
If the sauce is too thick, gradually incorporate more of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.
7
Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
22.5
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cavatelli with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe?
It is a comforting Italian pasta dish featuring hearty cavatelli, flavorful sausage, and slightly bitter greens.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of bulk Italian sausage or sausage with the casing removed.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 main ingredients including the pasta, sausage, greens, and seasonings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The sausage should be browned and crumbled in a skillet for about 6 to 8 minutes.
Do I need to cook the cavatelli and broccoli rabe separately?
No, they can be cooked together in the same pot of boiling water for about 11 minutes.
Should the cavatelli be fresh or frozen?
This specific recipe uses one pound of frozen cavatelli.
Why should I reserve the pasta cooking water?
The reserved water is used to create a sauce and adjust the consistency of the final dish.
How much pasta water should I save?
It is recommended to reserve about 2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the garlic?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 3 to 4 garlic cloves that have been thinly sliced.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it includes red pepper flakes and spicy sausage for a subtle heat.
How much red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What type of greens are used in this dish?
One pound of trimmed broccoli rabe with stems removed is used.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 15 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of cheese is suggested for serving?
Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese is recommended as a topping.
How do I fix the dish if the sauce is too thick?
You can gradually incorporate more of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.
How long should the garlic cook?
The garlic should be sautéed for about 1 minute until it is lightly golden.
Can I make this on a weeknight?
Yes, it is described as a quick meal that comes together quickly for busy nights.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
How do I prepare the broccoli rabe?
The broccoli rabe should be trimmed and the stems removed before cooking.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, the recipe suggests bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
How long is the final simmer?
After combining all ingredients, allow the dish to simmer for about 2 more minutes.
What is the texture of the cavatelli?
The cavatelli should be cooked until it is al dente.
Can I use sweet sausage instead?
While the recipe calls for spicy, you can substitute with sweet Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
What tools are needed for the sausage?
A large skillet and a wooden spoon are used to brown and crumble the meat.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to taste during the final mixing step.
Is this dish served hot?
Yes, it is best served hot with a generous sprinkle of cheese.