Broccoli Rabe, Mushroom and (Chicken) Sausage With Penne Pasta

There are some food pairings that are an instant hit..like Mac and Cheese,Buffalo Wings and Bleu Cheese, Fish and Chips..I'd like to think of Broccoli Rabe and Sausage as one too. The bitterness of the Broccoli Rabe perfectly complements the flavored Sausage and the mellow flavored mushroom. Therefore I'd like to think that they are a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli Rabe - 1 bunch, cleaned, trimmed and roughly chopped
• Italian Sausage(Hot) - 1 pound, casing removed
• Button Mushroom - 10#s, halved if slightly bigger
  
• Garlic - 3 cloves, grated
• Onion - 1, small, chopped
• Red pepper flakes - 1 tsp
• Pepper - 1 tsp or more (optional)
• Salt
• Olive oil - 1 tbsp
• Penne or Rigatoni Pasta - For 4 People
  

Procedure:

• Add the chopped broccoli rabe into a pot of boiling water for 4 minutes. Discard the water and set aside on a paper lined plate. Blanching them will reduce the bitterness.
• In a saute pan, heat the olive oil and add the the grated garlic, onions and saute until the onions become translucent.
• Crumble the sausage and add it to the pan and cook. Sprinkle salt, pepper flakes, pepper(if using) and mushroom and saute for about 5 minutes. Throw in the broccoli rabe and mix it gently.Switch off the stove.
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set it in a bowl.
• Top it with the broccoli rabe, mushroom and sausage mixture.

 Note: Any Sausage may be used. I sometimes try it with Turkey Sausage and its equally good.

Makes 4 Servings

Enjoy!