📖 Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This is where you'll cook your gluten-free pasta. Don't skimp on the salt; it seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. While waiting for the water to boil, remove the sausage from its casing. Crumble it into a large skillet.
3. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it's browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure there's no pink left inside the sausage – safety first!
4. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pan; it's full of flavor and will be used to cook the broccoli rabe.
5. Add the chopped garlic to the skillet with the sausage fat and cook over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.
6. Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet and cook until it's wilted and tender, about 5-7 minutes. If the pan seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to help it along. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the broccoli rabe will reduce in size as it cooks.
7. While the broccoli rabe is cooking, add the gluten-free pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Gluten-free pasta can be tricky; be sure to check it frequently to avoid overcooking. Nobody likes mushy pasta!
8. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. The starchy pasta water will help create a creamy sauce.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli rabe. Toss to combine.
10. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This is where the magic happens – the pasta water emulsifies with the sausage fat and creates a luscious sauce.
11. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and toss until it's melted and evenly distributed. The cheese adds a lovely richness and saltiness to the dish.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
13. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot off the stove.