Sausage Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe

I discovered this recipe from another blog I follow here.  This lady named the blog after her husband because she cooks him meals and he grades them (Dream Job!!). 

I know I put a lot of pasta recipes on here but they are easy, delicious and different.  This recipe uses broccoli rabe which may be new to many of you but don't be scared because it is much better than broccoli and intensifies this meal quite a bit!  Enjoy this Just Good Food!

My choice of pasta is rigatoni because it's little ridges trap the sauce but you can use penne or whatever you have lying around (spaghetti however would not be the same).  

Coming soon!!!  Homemade pasta recipe (very easy you only need 4 ingredients!!) and I got a pasta machine for Christmas and am very excited to use it!!

P.S.  Over January I plan on doing a themed month and will begin cooking even more for my friends and get their honest input on meals.

Recipe:  Serves 2 with leftovers

1 lb italian sausage (spicy or sweet) ground

4 garlic cloves

1 lb broccoli rabe (stringer broccoli) blanched in water

12 oz rigatoni pasta

broccoli rabe water

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

olive oil (2 tbsp)

1 tbsp oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

s&p

Directions: 

First how to blanch broccoli rabe: 

Rinse and dry the broccoli rabe and place in a deep sauce pan (a pot will work just fine) in COLD water (and only cover completely with water). 

 Heat water and bring to a simmer.  Once water begins bubbling take off heat immediately and take out broccoli rabe with tongs and place in cold water (SAVE THE BROCCOLI WATER!).  

Once the broccoli rabe has cooled (about 3 minutes) place on towel and pat dry.  Chop into 2 inch pieces and by the time this is done you should be adding it to     the sausage.

Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the pasta al dente, and heat the olive oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat with the peeled and chopped garlic.  

Let the garlic fry slightly and add the italian sausage and ground with the garlic along with the oregano and red pepper flakes.  Once the meat is nearly cooked add the broccoli rabe pieces and continue cooking on medium heat.  Add salt and pepper to taste here.  

Once pasta is finished, drain and place back in the pot.  Add the meat and broccoli and leave on medium heat and add about a cup of the reserved broccoli rabe water (which you saved right???).  Let reduce for a minute and add cheese and fresh ground pepper and YOU ARE READY!