Savory Broccoli Rabe Cavatelli Recipe by Jan

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of ricotta cavatelli
• 1 pound of chopped broccoli rabe
• A dollop of butter
• A drizzle of olive oil
• 1 pound of Italian sausage, removed from casing and sliced into bite-sized chunks
• A sizable onion, finely diced
• 10 ounces of roasted red peppers, sliced into 1-inch strips
• A spoonful of chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons of concentrated chicken stock (like Knorr®)
• ½ cup of dry white wine
• ½ cup of water
• 1 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch
• A dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step 1

Start by bringing a generously salted large pot of water to a lively boil. Gently drop in the cavatelli, giving it an occasional stir, and let it cook until it reaches that perfect tender yet slightly firm texture, which should take about 9 to 11 minutes. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

Next, refill the same pot with more salted water and let it come to a boil again. This time, introduce the broccoli rabe to the bubbling water and let it cook until it reaches a delightful tenderness, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the broccoli rabe and keep it warm.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the richness of butter and olive oil. Toss in the sausage and onion, cooking and stirring until the sausage loses its pink hue, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. Now, add the cooked broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Let all the flavors meld together for about 5 minutes.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the chicken stock with white wine and water, and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this flavorful mixture into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and bring it to a gentle simmer until it slightly thickens, usually within 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5

Now, generously ladle the savory sauce over the cooked cavatelli and sprinkle it with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. Serve this delectable dish immediately with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top, if desired. Enjoy your flavorful creation!