One-Pot Baked Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Baked pasta doesnt need to take every pot in your kitchen lots of different steps. This weeknight-friendly recipe uses one skillet, one pot, and plenty of cheese.
Baked pasta doesnt need to take every pot in your kitchen lots of different steps. This weeknight-friendly recipe uses one skillet, one pot, and plenty of cheese.
- 2 cups half-and-half
- kosher salt
- 6 garlic cloves coarsely chopped
- â¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound hot italian sausage casings removed
- â½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped sage plus 10–12 whole leaves
- 12 ounces fontina and/or aged cheddar grated, divided (about 4â½ cups)
- 1 pound ridged medium pasta shells or large tube pasta, such as lumaconi or rigatoni
- 1 bunch of broccoli rabe, tough ends trimmed, stems cut i
- Carbohydrate 19.3228938160193 g
- Cholesterol 199.786275282462 mg
- Fat 66.4775612312957 g
- Fiber 0.0472499978542328 g
- Protein 20.758314101222 g
- Saturated Fat 36.7061150380011 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (582g)
- Sodium 607.382053234282 mg
- Sugar 19.275643818165 g
- Trans Fat 3.47720138375155 g
- Calories 750 calories
Step-by-step
- Place racks in center and top third of oven; preheat to 325°.
- Heat a large pot of water over high. Add several tablespoons of salt and bring to a boil (this is for your pasta).
- Meanwhile, heat a deep, large, ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Add 1/2 cup oil and swirl to coat.
- Add sausage and break into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook, undisturbed, until sausage is browned, about 4 minutes.
- Stir a couple of times and cook, undisturbed again, until sausage is fully cooked through, about 3 minutes longer.
- Add garlic, red pepper, and chopped sage and cook, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in half-and-half and simmer until sauce is thickened slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually add two-thirds of cheese, bit by bit, stirring constantly and letting cheese melt completely before adding more, until sauce is smooth and thick, about 3 minutes; season with salt.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water 2 minutes shy of package instructions (8–10 minutes depending on type).
- During the last 2 minutes, add broccoli rabe.
- Drain pasta and broccoli rabe in a colander and shake several times to remove excess water.
- Return to empty pasta pot, then add sausage mixture.
- Stir until pasta and broccoli rabe are coated in sauce, then transfer everything back to skillet.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake on center rack until pasta is tender and sauce is bubbling, 30–40 minutes.
- Let rest a few minutes while you heat broiler (alternately, increase oven temperature to 500°).
- Remove foil and sprinkle top with remaining one-third of cheese.
- Toss sage leaves with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a small bowl and arrange over pasta.
- Broil or bake in oven on top rack until cheese is browned and bubbling in spots, about 5 minutes (depending on strength of your broiler).
- Let cool a minute or two before serving.
One-Pot Baked Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe: A Weeknight Wonder
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of school pick-ups, deadlines, and the ever-present question: what's for dinner? I crave delicious, comforting meals but often lack the time and energy for elaborate recipes. That's where this one-pot baked pasta truly shines. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that's surprisingly elegant without requiring hours in the kitchen. The best part? It's all done in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze – a godsend on those busy weeknights.
This recipe is my go-to when I need a hearty, satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour. The combination of Italian sausage, tender broccoli rabe, and creamy cheese sauce is simply irresistible. The pasta bakes beautifully in the oven, resulting in a perfectly cooked, cheesy dish that's guaranteed to please the entire family. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can easily substitute different types of sausage, pasta, or even vegetables depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. I’ve experimented with spicy Italian sausage, adding mushrooms or spinach, and even using different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan – the results are always delicious!
Beyond the Recipe: The beauty of this dish extends beyond its simple preparation. It's a perfect example of how a little creativity can transform a weeknight meal into something special. The aroma wafting from the oven as it bakes is enough to make the whole house feel warm and inviting. And the satisfaction of creating a delicious, home-cooked meal from scratch, even on a busy day, is a reward in itself. I often find myself doubling the recipe, so I have leftovers for lunch the next day, saving even more precious time.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is wonderful on its own, but I like to pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta beautifully. For a heartier side, roasted vegetables or crusty bread are also great options.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Add some veggies: Throw in some sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese, please: Experiment with different types of cheese – provolone, parmesan, or even a blend would work wonderfully.
- Meatless Monday: Substitute the sausage with vegetarian sausage or chickpeas for a meatless version.
Making Memories: More than just a delicious meal, this one-pot pasta represents the heart of home cooking – simple, satisfying, and deeply personal. It's a dish that I’ll continue to make for years to come, and hopefully, it'll become a family favorite in your home, too. It’s a comfort food that transcends the ordinary, creating memories around the dinner table, one delicious bite at a time.
