Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Veggie Sausage

This post is dedicated to Charlene, the person who inspired me to go vegan (almost five years ago!). She was the first non-crazy vegan I met. She showed me that being vegan could be easy, delicious, and fun. And I really love being vegan now so thanks, Charlene! Incidentally, running into her this weekend and talking about vegan blogs reminded me to post on this blog more often than just the MoFo. So yesterday, I was home and I saw this bunch of broccoli rabe that had to be used, so I decided to throw something together. It actually came out really good, so here it is:

 

Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Veggie Sausage

4oz pasta, in any shape ( I used cavatappi, or double elbow, pasta)

1 small bunch of broccoli rabe, cut into 3-4 inch pieces

4oz gimme lean sausage (half a tube)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon thyme

salt and black pepper to taste

1/4-1/2 cup vegetable broth or water

Start a big pot of water to boil while you chop the broccoli rabe and onion. When the water boils, add the pasta. Add in the broccoli rabe about a minute or two before the pasta is done. When it's done, drain it and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a skillet (preferably castiron) over medium-high heat and saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add the Gimme Lean Sausage, using your spoon to break it up into big crumbles. Stir in the red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. If everything starts to stick, add a few splashes of broth. When the sausage crumbles get a little golden colored, add the cooked pasta and broccoli rabe. Stir to get everything mixed together well and serve.