Sausage Broccoli Rabe Pasta Bake

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of sausage with the slightly bitter bite of broccoli rabe, look no further than this Sausage Broccoli Rabe Pasta Bake. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness all in one skillet-to-oven meal. Using tender penne pasta as the base and layering it with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this bake is an easy weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests. Plus, swapping traditional pork sausage for lean turkey sausage keeps it lighter without sacrificing any of that signature savory flavor.

The Upside of Sausage Broccoli Rabe Pasta Bake

This pasta bake has so many great things going for it. First, it’s a wonderful way to introduce broccoli rabe, a nutrient-packed green, into your family’s meals — its peppery, earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the seasoned turkey sausage. The combination of cheeses creates a luscious, melty texture that binds everything together and satisfies comfort food cravings. It’s a one-dish wonder that requires minimal cleanup but delivers big on taste. You can prep most of it ahead of time, making it perfect for busy evenings or meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s highly adaptable depending on what you have in your pantry or your preferred level of heat.

The Essentials

• 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the sauce and cheese.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and garlic to build a flavorful base.
• 1 lb turkey sausage (casings removed): Lean and savory, it adds hearty protein to the dish.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the flavor with aromatic depth.
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped: Adds a slightly bitter, green contrast that brightens the bake.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to awaken the flavors without overpowering.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it softens the spicy and bitter notes.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Bright, fresh herbal notes to finish.

Tools of the Trade

• Large pot: To boil the pasta perfectly al dente.
• Large skillet: For sautéing the sausage, garlic, and broccoli rabe.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the pasta bake evenly.
• Colander: To drain the pasta after cooking.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: For combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate seasoning and cheese quantities.

Mastering Sausage Broccoli Rabe Pasta Bake: How-To

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t rinse — you want the pasta to hold onto the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Sausage and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage (with casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broccoli Rabe and Red Pepper Flakes

Now, add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. Stir it in with the sausage and garlic, letting it cook down until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheeses

Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir just until everything is evenly combined — the ricotta will add a creamy texture that envelops the pasta and sausage mixture.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into your 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. This cheese layer will form a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. If you want an extra bubbly top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Pasta: If you don’t have penne, rigatoni or ziti work beautifully as well.
• Sausage: Substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Broccoli Rabe: You can swap with kale or broccoli florets if broccoli rabe isn’t available.
• Cheese: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta or try provolone in place of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
• Spice: Omit red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat, or increase for more spice.

Insider Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta initially; it will continue to cook in the oven and you want it perfectly tender, not mushy.
• Removing the sausage from its casing helps it crumble better, mixing evenly throughout the dish.
• Broccoli rabe can be bitter — to mellow it, blanch in boiling water for 1 minute before sautéing if desired.
• Let the pasta bake rest a few minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
• For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the sausage and garlic.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

After baking, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a microwave lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute increments until warmed through, stirring halfway for even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Simply leave out the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to your taste. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the sausage, garlic, and cheeses.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

Yes, fresh mozzarella works well but tends to release more moisture. Pat it dry and slice or tear into pieces before layering on top to avoid excess liquid.

Is broccoli rabe the same as broccoli?

Not quite. Broccoli rabe has thinner stalks and more leaves with a slightly bitter, peppery flavor compared to the milder, sweeter taste of broccoli florets.

Don’t Miss These

• For a spicy twist on sausage pasta, try the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta One Pot recipe.
• If you love baked pasta dishes, the Chili Mac Pasta Bake is another comforting favorite.
• For a garlicky, cheesy chicken option, check out the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake.

Time to Try It

Now that you’ve got the full rundown on how to make this flavorful Sausage Broccoli Rabe Pasta Bake, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress friends, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and ease. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for that final burst of color and aroma. Serve it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy goodness. Enjoy every bite of this delightful pasta bake that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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