Cavatelli with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
This classic Italian dish combines the hearty flavors of sausage with the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe, all brought together with perfectly al dente cavatelli pasta. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a meal that’s sure to delight your family or guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausage | 400g |
| Cavatelli | 320g |
| Broccoli rabe | 400g |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Fresh bread | 100g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~530 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Instructions
Preparation Steps
-
Prepare the Broccoli Rabe
Begin by cleaning the broccoli rabe. Using a small knife, separate the leaves from the stems. Wash thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit. -
-
Toast the Breadcrumbs
Cut the fresh bread into coarse chunks and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a crumbly texture. Set aside for now. -
Cook the Sausage
Remove the casing from the sausage and break it into small pieces. Roll them into tiny balls using your hands for a uniform shape. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (without oil), then add the sausage balls. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Transfer the sausage balls to a plate, cover with plastic wrap to keep warm, and reserve the pan with its cooking drippings for later use. -
Boil Water for Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt; this will be used to cook the cavatelli.
Cooking the Components
-
Toast the Breadcrumbs
Finely chop the fresh chili pepper. In a clean pan, add the breadcrumbs and toast them over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning, cooking until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside for garnishing. -
Cook the Broccoli Rabe
Return to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Add 20g of extra virgin olive oil and two whole, peeled garlic cloves. Allow the garlic to infuse the oil for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, then add the broccoli rabe. Sauté for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the broccoli rabe is tender, remove the garlic cloves and season with salt to taste. -
Cook the Cavatelli
While the broccoli rabe is cooking, add the cavatelli to the pot of boiling water. Cook fresh cavatelli for about 5 minutes, or follow the package instructions for dried pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta water.
Bringing It All Together
-
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked cavatelli directly into the skillet with the broccoli rabe. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too dry. Return the sausage balls to the pan and mix gently to combine all the flavors. -
Plate and Garnish
Divide the pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over each plate for a delightful crunch, and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for added richness. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while hot. Pair with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling water for a complete dining experience.
Tips for Success
- Broccoli Rabe Prep: For a milder flavor, blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before sautéing.
- Breadcrumb Variation: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs before toasting for extra flavor.
- Pasta Substitution: If cavatelli isn’t available, orecchiette or fusilli make great alternatives.
This dish is a celebration of simple, rustic flavors that come together in harmony, making it a perfect centerpiece for any Italian-inspired meal. Enjoy your homemade Cavatelli with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe!
