Farfalle with Italian Sausage and Broccolini

Broccolini. What to say about Broccolini?Also known as asparation or baby broccoli, it is not in fact baby broccoli but a cross between broccoli and chinese chard (Gai lan). I've never had it before, so I thought I would give it a try. Some say it tastes a little like asparagus, others say broccoli. I say either way, it's delicious!

Broccolini

Especially when paired with sausage and farfalle pasta. Others might see the resemblance to Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Spicy Sausage, which would make sense. I just wanted to make it my own, so I used broccolini (which I think looks prettier than rabe), farfalle instead of orecchiette (my honey doesn't like orecchiette. don't ask why, I have no clue!), and chicken Italian sausage instead of the standard pork.

Broccoli Rabe

And I do have to say, I think it turned out pretty tasty. Tim is one of those who has to have some sort of sauce on his pasta, so he added some marinara to his and that was pretty tasty too. So if you are a saucist like my honey, go ahead and add some marinara. If your a purist, like me, keep it out!

Farfalle with Italian Sausage and Broccolini

1 lb. broccolini, ends trimmed and roughly chopped

1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for sprinkling

1 lb chicken Italian sausage, casings removed and sliced or crumbled

2 garlic cloves, minced 

1/2 tsp fennel seeds

1 lb. farfalle pasta

1. Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. During last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccolini.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a saute pan over medium heat and cook sausages until no pink remains. Remove sausage from pan; add garlic and fennel seeds and cook 1 min till fragrant.

3. Add sausages back to pan and lower heat . Using a slotted spoon, remove broccolini and pasta and add to saute pan. Add some pasta water (2 tbsp to 1/4 c.) to make sauce. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired, or add marinara sauce.

Enjoy!

   

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