Are you tired of standing over a boiling pot and watching pasta cook? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with this mind-blowing No Boil Broccoli Rabe Sausage Baked Pasta that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen time cut in half! This Italian-inspired dish combines the robust flavors of spicy Italian sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and melty cheeses into a one-pan wonder that's guaranteed to become your new weeknight obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb broccoli rabe, chopped
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and has developed a golden-brown color, about 7-8 minutes.
- Chop the broccoli rabe into bite-sized pieces, discarding the tough bottom stems. Roughly chop the leaves and tender stems.
- Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the greens begin to wilt and become slightly tender.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top the pasta with the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture, distributing it uniformly across the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring all pasta is covered. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the top.
- Generously cover the dish with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring a good seal to trap moisture and help cook the pasta.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil for the last 5-7 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and become slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The key to an amazing baked pasta is selecting premium Italian sausage and fresh broccoli rabe.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Covering with foil is crucial: This traps moisture and helps the uncooked pasta steam and become perfectly tender.
- Let the pasta rest after baking: This allows the sauce to set and makes serving much easier and more appetizing.
- Customize your heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice preference - from mild to fiery!
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
