Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

0 In a medium to large pot, boil water for pasta. Add ½ tsp salt to the water. Cook pasta according to the package. 
8 Next, we are going to blanch the broccoli rabe. Cut off the ends of the broccoli rabe. In a small or medium pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli rabe for about 2 minutes until the color becomes vibrant. 
6 Remove the broccoli rabe from boiling water and add it too ice for about 2-3 mins. Then add it to paper towel and pat dry. Set aside.
9 Heat a large skillet. Once heated add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add in the sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon (for the sausage, we take the casing off and break it down). Season with a sprinkle of sea salt. Sometimes the sausage may already be salty. 
3 In the same skillet, reduce heat when the sausage is about half way cooked through. Add the additional tbsp of olive oil and the chopped garlic. Mix until fragrant. Pour in the blanched broccoli rabe and let it cook down for a few minutes.
4 Next, add in the pasta water, cooked pasta, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Add in the ricotta cheese and mix. 
10 Grate about ¼-⅓  cup of parmesan on top of the pasta as well as a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional) and mix everything well. Add additional salt if need. 
5 Enjoy!