Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Fettucine

Adapted from The Best Simple Recipes from America's Test Kitchen
Serves 4

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
20 oz. hot or sweet turkey sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, sliced thin
5 garlic cloves, sliced thin
1/2 t. red pepper flakes (optional if using hot sausage)
Salt and pepper
1 lb. fettucine (I used 8 oz. lemon pepper fettucine from Trader Joe's and 8 oz. whole wheat rotini)
1 large bunch broccoli rabe, ~ 1 lb., trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat 1 T. oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Add onion and continue to cook, about 3 minutes; add garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.

2. Add 1 T. salt and pasta to boiling water and cook until nearly al dente. Add broccoli rabe and cook until tender, 2-3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 c. cooking water, drain pasta and broccoli rabe, and return to pot. Add Parmesan cheese, sausage & onion mixture, and 1 T. oil and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.