One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata

A bright, flavorful one‑pot pasta dish where zesty lemon meets savory sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe, all crowned with creamy burrata. It’s simple, elegant, and ready in about 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in a single pot
• Bright and fresh from lemon zest and juice
• Savory depth from sweet Italian sausage
• Bitter greens add balance and texture
• Luxurious finish with creamy burrata

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
• Rigatoni or other short pasta
• Broccoli rabe (or broccoli florets)
• Garlic
• Lemon (zest and juice)
• Chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
• Olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Burrata cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. Brown the sausage
   In a large pot over medium heat, sauté sausage, breaking into pieces, until crisp and browned. Remove and set aside (recipestasteful.com, facebook.com, lacucinaitaliana.com).
2. Cook greens and garlic
   Add garlic and broccoli rabe to the same pot. Cook until greens begin to soften (3–5 minutes). Stir in red pepper flakes if you like a little bite .
3. Add pasta and liquid
   Return sausage to the pot. Add pasta, broth (or water), lemon zest, and juice. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes (recipestasteful.com).
4. Finish the sauce
   Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add more liquid if needed to keep the sauce silky (delish.com).
5. Serve with burrata
   Divide pasta into bowls and top each serving with burrata. Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and freshly ground pepper (recipestasteful.com).

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4–6
• Prep time: 5–10 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: ~35–40 minutes (facebook.com, recipestasteful.com)

Variations

• Greens swap: Use broccoli florets, kale, or spinach in place of broccoli rabe
• Spice level: Choose hot sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for more heat
• Pasta shape flexibility: Rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or orecchiette all work beautifully (recipestasteful.com)
• Meat alternatives: Try spicy sausage, chorizo, or a vegetarian sausage substitute (lacucinaitaliana.com)

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess
• Make-ahead tip: Prep the sausage and greens ahead; finish with pasta and burrata just before serving (recipestasteful.com)

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of rabe?

Yes—thaw and thoroughly drain, or blanch briefly before adding to the pot.

Is burrata essential?

It’s what makes the dish luxurious, but fresh mozzarella or torn soft cheese works too.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely—use spicy Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes to taste.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, sub any gluten-free pasta of your choice and use certified gluten-free broth.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute with pasta cooking water or vegetable broth.

How do I prevent overcooking pasta?

Cook until just al dente; the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce to avoid mushiness.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes—cook sausage and greens in advance, then add pasta, broth, and burrata later.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage and add more greens or beans for protein.

What cheese goes best besides Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago add a nice tangy twist.

Can I omit lemon?

Lemon brightens the dish, but you can leave it out for a milder flavor profile.

Conclusion

This One Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata balances zingy citrus, savory meat, and creamy cheese in a fuss-free, minimal cleanup recipe. It’s a weeknight winner that looks and tastes like a restaurant dish—zesty, comforting, and effortlessly impressive.

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