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Baked Pasta with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

This gooey baked pasta is inspired by the classic combo of broccoli rabe and sausage. It's delicious, comforting and super adaptable, too. Don't like broccoli rabe? Use regular broccoli or kale! Vegetarian? Use a plant-based meat crumble! There are many ways to make this recipe your own, so get cooking!

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 24 ounces jar marinara sauce
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 pound rigatoni or other short pasta
  • 1 pound broccoli rabe, chopped
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces
  • 2/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • Basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large, deep, ovenproof skillet or braiser pan, cook the sausage in the olive oil over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until nicely browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the fennel seeds and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
  • In a pot of boiling water, cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package suggests. Add the broccoli rabe and cook with the pasta for 1 minute. Scoop out ¾ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Return the pasta and broccoli rabe to the pot. Fold in the sauce, heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
  • Transfer the mixture to the skillet or braiser pan and scatter the remaining cheeses on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and browned. Let stand for a few minutes, then garnish with basil and serve.
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