Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sausage links on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the sausages.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and set aside. Let the sausages rest for a few minutes before slicing them into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the sausage is roasting, cook the linguini according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly once mixed with the other ingredients. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli Rabe
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) and salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli rabe is tender and slightly wilted. If the pan gets too dry, you can add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli rabe.
Step 4: Combine Everythin
Once the broccoli rabe is cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli rabe. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the pasta is well coated and slightly creamy. You can also add the butter at this point to add richness.
Next, stir in the sliced sausage, and continue to toss everything together until the sausage is heated through.
Step 5: Serve
Divide the linguini with broccoli rabe and sausage into bowls or plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Linguini with Broccoli Rabe and Oven-Roasted Sausage:
- Customize the Sausage: You can use any type of sausage you like—Italian sweet or spicy, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to match your sausage choice.
- Broccoli Rabe Preparation: Broccoli rabe can sometimes be a bit bitter, so if you prefer a milder taste, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before sautéing to reduce the bitterness. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
- Pasta Variation: While linguini works great, you can also try this recipe with spaghetti, penne, or any other pasta shape you prefer.
- Make It Spicy: For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Linguini with Broccoli Rabe and Oven-Roasted Sausage:
This dish is the perfect balance of savory, hearty, and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of the roasted sausage, garlicky sautéed broccoli rabe, and tender pasta makes for a satisfying meal that feels special but is easy to prepare. The addition of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish, making it even more irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this Linguini with Broccoli Rabe and Oven-Roasted Sausage is sure to impress!