Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage
This hearty rigatoni with broccoli and sausage is a comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines al dente rigatoni, caramelized broccoli, and crispy Italian sausage in a garlicky, lemony Parmesan sauce. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) rigatoni
- 1 pound (450 g) broccoli, cut into bite-size florets and peeled stems
- ¾ pound (340 g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (45 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch broccoli for 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove with tongs and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook rigatoni until just shy of al dente, about 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high. Add sausage and cook for 10 minutes, breaking it up and browning well. Transfer sausage to a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the same pan. Add garlic and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Return broccoli to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing edges to char. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add rigatoni and sausage to the pan. Pour in ½ cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously to combine and emulsify the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed.
- Turn off heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use sweet Italian sausage for a milder version.
- Replace rigatoni with penne, orecchiette, or fusilli.
- Add a handful of spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
- Vegetarian version: skip sausage or use plant-based alternative.