If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful harmony of zesty lemon, savory sausage, peppery broccoli rabe, and the luxurious creaminess of fresh burrata, all coming together effortlessly in one pot. This dish is as comforting as it is vibrant, making it the perfect weeknight feast or a special weekend treat you’ll want to share over good conversation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, fresh ingredients are the magic behind this dish’s rich flavors and satisfying textures. Each one plays a vital role, from the hearty sausage to the bright lemon that really lifts every bite.
- 12 ounces short pasta (orecchiette or penne): Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well to soak up all the lemon and sausage goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly sautéing the sausage and garlic without overpowering their flavors.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, without casings to break apart easily and flavor the dish deeply.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings essential aromatic warmth to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness beautifully.
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped): Its slightly bitter green note contrasts perfectly with the sausage and cheese.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The star of the show, lending a bright, citrusy lift that makes the pasta feel fresh and light.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: Helps create a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.
- 2 balls burrata cheese (torn into pieces): The creamy, dreamy finish you’ll want to savor with every forkful.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh herbal note to brighten the plate visually and flavorfully.
How to Make One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is where your pasta will cook to that perfect al dente texture we all love. Cooking the pasta first is crucial to ensure it’s tender but still holds its shape in the final dish. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for making your sauce silky and luscious.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Using the same pot, warm your olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and let it brown beautifully, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step develops rich, caramelized flavors you won’t want to skip. Cooking the sausage thoroughly ensures your dish has a hearty, meaty backbone.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let them cook just until fragrant, about a minute, so you get that tantalizing aroma without burning the garlic. This little layer of flavor adds depth and a hint of spice that lights up the whole dish.
Step 4: Add Broccoli Rabe
Toss in the chopped broccoli rabe and sauté for a few minutes until it softens but keeps a slight bite. This green brings a pleasant bitterness and vibrant color that contrast perfectly with the richness of the sausage and cheese. It also adds important nutrients and texture to make every forkful exciting.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Lemon, and Cheese
Return your cooked pasta to the pot along with lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of that reserved pasta water to help everything meld together into a creamy, cohesive sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly until the pasta is coated and delightfully saucy. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go to make sure the flavors shine just right.
Step 6: Add Burrata and Garnish
Turn off the heat and gently top your pasta with torn pieces of burrata. Its creamy, milky richness is the decadent finishing touch that melts slightly from the residual warmth, making every bite indulgent. If you have fresh basil or parsley, sprinkle it on top for a fresh, fragrant accent.
How to Serve One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the creamy burrata and zesty lemon. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few extra lemon zest curls can enhance the visual appeal and flavor dramatically.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread makes the meal feel more rounded and satisfying. Garlic bread or a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette will echo the flavors beautifully while adding texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual deep bowls garnished with whole burrata balls placed in the center, allowing guests to break into the cheese themselves. Alternatively, plating it family-style in a large shallow dish encourages sharing and conversation, keeping with the warm, communal spirit of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but be sure to add the burrata fresh when reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the pasta and broccoli rabe. However, if you need to freeze, omit the burrata and add it after thawing and reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the pasta’s texture. Add fresh burrata after warming for that luscious, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use spinach instead of broccoli rabe?
Absolutely! Spinach is a great milder substitute if you want to tone down the bitterness while still adding fresh greens to your pasta.
What if I don’t have burrata? Can I use mozzarella?
You can substitute fresh mozzarella in a pinch, but burrata offers a creamier, richer texture that really elevates the dish to something magical.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat. If you prefer it mild, feel free to leave them out or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize, swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative, and leave out the Parmesan and burrata or use vegan cheese substitutes. The lemon and greens still make for a wonderful base.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Orecchiette and penne are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well, but any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli will also work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe is a gem for those nights when you crave something comforting yet fresh, rich yet balanced. It brings together crisp greens, zesty lemon, savory sausage, and indulgent burrata in a way that’s inviting and straightforward. I hope you give it a try soon—you might just find this becoming your new favorite weeknight winner.
Print
One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring tender Italian sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata cheese, all brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe combines the ease of a single pot with vibrant Italian flavors for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as orecchiette or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 balls burrata cheese (torn into pieces)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sausage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook the broccoli rabe: Stir in the chopped broccoli rabe and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it is slightly wilted but still vibrant and tender.
- Combine pasta and flavorings: Return the cooked pasta to the pot along with the lemon zest and juice, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until creamy and well combined.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Add burrata and garnish: Off the heat, top the pasta with torn pieces of burrata cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a milder green, substitute spinach or kale for the broccoli rabe.
- Add more lemon juice to brighten the dish to your taste.
- Burrata is best added just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
