Ziti with Brocooli Rabe and Sausage

By MAB

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp pus 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 oz. sweet italian sausage links
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 large head broccoli rabe trimmed and stems peeled (you can substitute broccoli or spinach if desired)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 8 oz ziti pasta
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano

Preparation

Step 1

Bring large pot of water with 2 tbsp salt to a boil for the pasta. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the sausages and brown all over, about 6 minutes then remove to plate.

Add remaining oil to skillet. Stir in garlic, about 2 minutes. Add the broccoli rabe and season with remaining salt and red pepper flakes, tossing to coat. Cover and let steam until bright green and the leaves are wilted, about 5 minutes.

Add ziti to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Slice the sausages into 1/2 inch rounds and add to broccoli rabe along with 1 cup pasta water and the butter. Bring to a simmer and cook until the broccoli rabe is very tender, about 3 to 4 minutes, discard garlic.

Add cooked ziti to broccoli rabe mixture and toss to coat, adding a little pasta water if needed.

Sprinkle with cheese, toss and serve.