To make garlicky broccoli rabe and mushrooms, blanch 1 bunch of broccoli rabe in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes and drain well. Sauté 4–5 minced garlic cloves (and red pepper flakes, if you like) in olive oil for 1–2 minutes, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and the broccoli rabe, and cook over lower heat for 8–10 minutes until tender. Finish with fresh lemon juice and parmesan. It’s an easy side with 5 main ingredients, ready in about 15 minutes.
This garlicky broccoli rabe and mushrooms is one of our favorite side dishes to serve. It’s only 5 main ingredients (plus optional red pepper flakes and parmesan), sautéed to perfection, and incredibly easy to make. It’s ready to go in no time at all, exceptionally delicious, and pairs well with just about anything!
This garlicky broccoli rabe (rapini) and mushrooms recipe is near and dear to my heart. It’s the recipe that I turn to when I need an easy side for a busy weeknight meal or simple entertaining dish. It’s a recipe that I know will satisfy everyone.
I love that this broccoli rabe and mushrooms recipe is quick, easy, and definitely does not compromise on taste or nutrition. This dish is a winner in every aspect. Packed with vitamins, and bursting with flavor–this recipe takes just minutes to prepare. And the best part? It only requires 5 simple ingredients!
Get ready for your new favorite side dish!
ingredients
To make this easy sautéed garlicky broccoli rabe and mushrooms recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online.
Here’s what we are working with:
- fresh broccoli rabe (rapini)
- mushrooms
- garlic
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- red pepper flakes, optional
- grated parmesan cheese, optional
how to make garlicky broccoli rabe and mushrooms in 3 simple steps
You’ll find the exact amounts and printable steps in the recipe card below. Here’s what each step looks like, plus the little things that make it work.
1. Blanch the broccoli rabe. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli rabe for 2–3 minutes and drain it well. Blanching tames broccoli rabe’s natural bitterness and keeps it bright green; drain it really well so it sautés instead of steaming in the skillet.
2. Sauté the garlic, mushrooms and greens. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the mushrooms and broccoli rabe, lower the heat and cook for about 8–10 minutes, until tender. Keep the heat moderate once the garlic goes in so it turns golden, not bitter.
3. Finish with lemon and parmesan. Drizzle a splash of lemon juice over the top, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes, if you like. The lemon brightens the whole dish, so don’t skip it.
broccoli rabe for Thanksgiving and the holidays
A holiday table full of creamy, cheesy sides needs something green and bright, and this is it. It cooks on the stovetop in about 15 minutes, so it won’t fight the turkey for oven space, and the garlic and lemon cut right through all that richness. Leave off the parmesan and it fits a vegan or dairy-free guest’s plate too.
can you make it ahead?
It’s best right out of the skillet, but you can get a head start: blanch and drain the broccoli rabe and slice the mushrooms up to a day ahead and refrigerate them. Then the final sauté takes just minutes while everything else rests.
how to store and reheat leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours and enjoy them within 3–4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until hot (165°F), then add a fresh squeeze of lemon.
what to serve with garlicky broccoli rabe and mushrooms
There are many options to complement this easy dish, depending on your preferences and what you have available. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this yummy broccoli rabe recipe:
- grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or steak
- rice pilaf or quinoa salad
- tossed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers
- garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
- pasta drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs
- garlic bread or crusty French bread
Ultimately, you can simply pair this dish with a protein of your choice and/or other vegetables or grains to make a well-rounded meal.
I hope you enjoy this simple sautéed garlicky broccoli rabe and mushrooms recipe as much as our little tribe has time and time again. Please leave us a star review and comment if you enjoyed this recipe! Happy cooking!
broccoli rabe and mushrooms FAQs
A quick 2–3 minute blanch in salted water mellows broccoli rabe’s bitterness, keeps it bright green and helps the thick stems cook through in the skillet.
No. Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a leafy green with small florets and a pleasantly bitter bite, while broccolini is a milder cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
Use your choice of variety. Cremini, white button or a mix all work well.
It is vegan and dairy-free if you leave off the optional parmesan cheese.
Refrigerate them within 2 hours and keep them in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet until hot (165°F).
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Garlicky Broccoli Rabe & Mushrooms (Easy Side Dish)
- DFDairy-Free
- GFGluten-Free
- KKeto
- LCLow Carb
- PPaleo
- SFSugar Free
- VVegan
- VGVegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh broccoli rabe, about 1 lb
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms (your choice of variety), sliced
- ½ lemon, juiced
- red pepper flakes , optional
- grated parmesan cheese, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Blanch broccoli rabe for 2-3 minutes and drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in mushrooms and broccoli rabe. Lower the heat and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until tender.
- Drizzle over a splash of lemon juice. Sprinkle over parmesan cheese and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Equipment
- large pot
- colander
Notes
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this 5-main-ingredient broccoli rabe and mushrooms recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!
