If you’re looking for a cozy, vibrant, and utterly satisfying pasta night, One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata will steal your heart (and your cravings) in the best possible way. This dish brings together zesty lemon, rich Italian sausage, hearty greens, and the luxurious creaminess of burrata, all twirled through perfectly seasoned pasta. Each bite hits that sweet spot between bold flavors and comforting familiarity, with just the right notes of tang, umami, and silkiness. And yes, it really does all come together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and the process pure joy from start to finish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata such a weeknight winner is the way each ingredient plays a starring role—there’s nothing fussy here, just fresh, vibrant items that transform into something truly special when combined. Here’s how each element builds the magic:
- 12 ounces short pasta: Orecchiette or penne work particularly well for catching every bit of sauce and sausage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Go mild for cozy comfort, or spicy if you want extra kick. Remove casings for easy crumbling.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and lively flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right touch of heat for those who like a gentle spark.
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped: Its pleasantly bitter, vibrant flavor cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The secret to that bright, zingy finish that wakes up every ingredient.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for savory, cheesy depth.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps create a creamy sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to drawing everything together!
- 2 balls burrata cheese, torn into pieces: The ultimate, creamy crown for your finished pasta.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Brings color and a final pop of herbaceous freshness.
How to Make One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s just al dente according to package instructions—this keeps it perfectly toothsome in the final dish. Before draining, save about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water (you’ll need this later for sauce magic), then drain and set the pasta aside for a moment.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Using the same pot, drizzle in the olive oil and set it over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through—the sizzling aroma will have you excited already!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice
Stir in the minced garlic and, if you’re feeling bold, the red pepper flakes. Let this fragrant duo bloom for about 1 minute, just until everything smells irresistible (watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t scorch).
Step 4: Wilt the Broccoli Rabe
Tip in the chopped broccoli rabe, tossing it around with the sausage so it gets coated in all those savory flavors. Let it sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it softens and turns a beautiful, deep green. You want a slight bite left for texture!
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Return the just-cooked pasta to the pot. Add in the lemon zest and juice, grated Parmesan, and a generous splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything thoroughly for a creamy, luscious sauce that lovingly hugs every noodle and sausage crumble. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Finish with Burrata and Herbs
Take the pot off the heat, then tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and nestle them across the pasta. Their creamy centers will start to melt into the warm dish, creating silky pockets of cheesy goodness. Top with torn basil or parsley if you like, then serve immediately—let the compliments roll in!
How to Serve One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata
Garnishes
Make the final impression as fabulous as the flavor by scattering on extra herbs, a shower of lemon zest, or a dusting of Parmesan just before serving. Burrata added at the table (with that dramatic oozy center) is always a showstopper. Even a few grinds of fresh black pepper make your One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta is so vibrant that a simple green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil is all it needs for balance. For a heartier meal or to round out the table, consider some warm crusty bread to swipe through any leftover sauce, or perhaps roasted asparagus or carrots for sweetness and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata family-style in a big, colorful bowl so everyone can dive in together. For something more elegant, plate individual portions and use a spoon to swirl the creamy burrata over each serving. For a brunch spin, serve in shallow bowls with a soft-poached egg on top—the runny yolk is magical!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta will absorb more lemony flavor, and the sausage stays savory and juicy. Store extra burrata separately and add it fresh when you’re ready to eat for best results.
Freezing
While One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture (without the pasta or burrata) for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat gently, and cook fresh pasta when ready to assemble before serving with new burrata on top.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan with a splash of water or chicken broth. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until everything is hot and creamy again. Add fresh burrata after reheating so you still get that gooey, satisfying finish!
FAQs
Can I use a different green instead of broccoli rabe?
Absolutely! If you or your family prefer something milder, spinach or kale make wonderful substitutions. They’ll cook quickly and still add a lovely green freshness to your One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata.
Is this recipe spicy?
It can be, but it’s entirely up to you. The red pepper flakes are optional, and you can choose mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. This means everyone can enjoy it just the way they like!
How do I keep the burrata from melting too much?
Add the torn burrata only after removing the pot from the heat. This ensures you get that luscious, creamy texture on top without it dissolving into the pasta—each forkful becomes a little surprise of cheese.
Can I make One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written. Just keep an eye on pasta cook time, as gluten-free varieties sometimes cook a little faster.
What pasta shape works best for this?
Short shapes like orecchiette or penne are ideal because they catch all the sausage, greens, and creamy bits. However, any favorite shape will do—just cook until al dente for the best bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cozy comfort and bold flavor in less than an hour, this One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata absolutely delivers. It’s a dish that feels equal parts impressive and approachable, perfect for sharing with friends or spoiling yourself on a weeknight. Trust me—once you taste that creamy, lemony, sausage-studded forkful, you’ll want to make this again and again!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful One-Pot Lemony Pasta featuring savory Italian sausage, vibrant broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata cheese. A perfect harmony of zesty lemon, spicy sausage, and tender greens in a comforting dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as orecchiette or penne)
Sauce:
- 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
Finish:
- 2 balls burrata cheese (torn into pieces)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same pot, cook sausage, add garlic, red pepper flakes, broccoli rabe, lemon zest, Parmesan, and pasta water.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta with sauce until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish: Top with torn burrata and herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a milder green, use spinach or kale instead of broccoli rabe.
- Add extra lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
- Add burrata just before serving for a rich finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
