Some meals are comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. This Broccoli Rabe with Chicken Sausage & Garlic is one of those dishes!
It's packed with flavor, has just the right amount of spice, and is a great way to add greens to your meal. If you've never cooked with broccoli rabe (also called rapini), don't worry—I'll walk you through it step by step! Plus, this one-pan wonder is perfect for those nights when you're deep in an intense paranormal read and need something satisfying that won't keep you away from your book for long.
🧄 Perfect for Paranormal Vampire Book Nights!
This recipe would be great for paranormal vampire books—all that garlic should keep any unwanted supernatural visitors at bay while you're absorbed in your dark romance or urban fantasy! (Not to be confused with our beloved Argeneau Immortals, of course.)
Why I Love This Dish:
There's something special about the combination of garlicky greens with browned chicken sausage. It's simple but tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant! The slight bitterness of the broccoli rabe pairs perfectly with the savory, slightly spicy sausage, and the garlic brings everything together. Plus, it's a one-pan meal that's ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for when you want to get back to your current page-turner as quickly as possible.
Fun Fact About Broccoli Rabe:
Even though it has "broccoli" in its name, broccoli rabe isn't actually a type of broccoli! It's more closely related to turnips, which is why it has a slightly bitter taste. But don't let that scare you—when cooked properly, it's absolutely delicious and adds a sophisticated edge to your meal, just like a well-written villain in your favorite paranormal series.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini)
- 1 lb chicken sausage (casings removed)
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Broccoli Rabe with Chicken Sausage & Garlic
Bold, garlicky flavors perfect for paranormal vampire book nights and intense reads
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.*
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli Rabe
- Bring a pot of water to a boil
- Add the broccoli rabe and steam for 3-5 minutes (a fork should just barely go through the thickest stem)
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking
- Chop into three pieces (separating the stems, middle, and leafy tops)
2. Cook the Sausage
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat
- Add the chicken sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces
- Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan
3. Sauté the Garlic & Broccoli Rabe
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the sliced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
- Add the broccoli rabe, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes
4. Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir everything together. Cook for another minute
- Serve hot and enjoy!
🛒 Pro Tip: For the best garlic flavor and easy prep — I recommend using a Quality Garlic Press to get perfect slices every time.
How to Pick the Best Broccoli Rabe:
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a leafy green vegetable with small buds resembling broccoli florets. It's known for its slightly bitter taste and is commonly used in Italian cuisine.
When selecting broccoli rabe, look for bright green leaves and firm stems. Avoid bunches with yellowing or wilted leaves, as these are signs of age. Fresh broccoli rabe should feel crisp and have a vibrant color.
Incorporating broccoli rabe into your meals not only adds a unique flavor but also provides nutritional benefits, as it's rich in vitamins A and C. Whether sautéed with garlic and olive oil or added to pasta dishes, broccoli rabe is a versatile vegetable that can enhance various recipes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Over pasta: Toss with cooked pasta and a little extra olive oil for a heartier meal
- With crusty bread: The garlicky juices are perfect for dipping—ideal for those intense reading sessions
- As a side dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete meal
- Book club dinner: This sophisticated dish is perfect for impressing your fellow readers
Love This Flavor Combination?
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Chicken Sausage
Take these same bold flavors and turn them into a hearty pasta dish perfect for your next paranormal book marathon!
Get the Recipe →If you're new to cooking, this is a great dish to try! It's simple, flavorful, and a perfect way to build your confidence in the kitchen. The bold garlic flavors make it ideal for those nights when you're diving into intense paranormal reads—think of it as your literary armor against any supernatural threats lurking in your current book!
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. And if you're reading any great vampire books lately, this dish is practically mandatory! Happy cooking and happy reading!
0 comments
Thanks for being here! I love hearing from readers, so please leave a comment below. Just a heads up - I have comment moderation turned on to keep the spam bots at bay, so your comment might take a little while to appear.