Weeknights can be a whirlwind of activities, from work obligations to personal commitments. Amid the hustle and bustle, preparing a delicious and nutritious meal often seems daunting. But fear not, because I’ve got a game-changing recipe that will simplify your weeknight dinners while delivering a burst of flavor: Sausage and Burrata Rigatoni. This dish is a perfect balance of hearty ingredients and creamy indulgence, making it an instant hit with the whole family. Let’s dive into the details of this easy yet impressive recipe.

Sausage Burrata Pasta Ingredients:

  1. 8 cups Water
  2. 2 tablespoons Salt
  3. 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta (or pasta of choice)
  4. 1-pound Italian sausage
  5. 1 teaspoon chopped basil leaves
  6. 1 teaspoon chopped tarragon
  7. 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  8. 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  10. 1 large shallot (finely chopped)
  11. ½ teaspoon salt
  12. ½ cup heavy cream
  13. ½ to ¾ head of broccoli (cut into bite-sized florets)
  14. 1 burrata cheese ball (shredded by hand into bite-sized pieces)
  15. ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Sausage Burrata Pasta Method:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Place water and 2 tablespoons of salt in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Prep the Ingredients: While the water comes to a boil, chop the garlic, shallot, and herbs. Remove the broccoli florets from the head and cut them into bite-sized pieces or smaller if you prefer.
  3. Cook the Sausage: In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or a neutral oil and heat over medium-high. Using a fork, break the sausage into small bite-sized pieces. Cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add Aromatics and Veggies: Add the chopped shallot, garlic, and broccoli to the pan and cook for 45 seconds, but do not stir.
  5. Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream, white wine, and chopped herbs. Cook until the sauce starts to thicken.
  6. Cook the Pasta: As soon as the pasta water comes to a boil, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
  7. Combine Everything: Strain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water. Combine the pasta, sausage mixture, burrata, and reserved pasta water in the same pot. Toss constantly until the burrata is slightly melted.
  8. Finish and Serve: Top with additional Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

sausage burrata pasta on board

Recipe Notes:

 

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to omit or add ingredients to suit your taste. Got some grilled chicken breast on hand? Toss it in. Bell peppers? They can be easily added for extra flavor and color. While this dish is perfect for a busy night, it does require almost constant monitori

  1. ½ cup white wine

ng, which can be challenging amidst a flurry of household activities. Future recipes in this series will strike a balance by trading preparation time for ease of attention—taking longer to cook but allowing you to set it and forget it.

Utilize Time Efficiently

While the pasta is boiling and the sauce is thickening, utilize this time to complete the more labor-intensive parts of the recipe. Finish chopping any remaining ingredients, clean up your workspace, and shred the burrata cheese. This multitasking ensures a smooth cooking process and minimizes cleanup time afterward.

This Sausage and Broccoli Rigatoni is more than just a meal; it’s a weeknight savior. The Italian sausage adds a savory depth, while the broccoli brings a touch of freshness and crunch. The creamy sauce, punctuated by the tangy white wine and rich burrata, envelops the rigatoni perfectly, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

By focusing on simple, quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can transform your weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent. This recipe not only saves you time but also ensures that you’re serving something special. So next time you’re pressed for time but still want to impress, remember this Sausage and Broccoli Rigatoni. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you.