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A dark cast iron skillet filled with freshly baked shell pasta, chunks of browned Italian sausage, vibrant green broccoli rabe, and a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

Best One-Pot Baked Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

A wildly flavorful, comforting one-pot dinner featuring Italian sausage, tender pasta shells, earthy broccoli rabe, and a crispy, gooey cheese topping.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb bulk Italian sausage sweet or hot
  • 1 bunch 1 lb fresh broccoli rabe (tough stems removed, chopped)
  • 12 oz medium shell pasta dry
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet (or oven-safe pan)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and brown for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into pieces.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
  3. Add the chopped broccoli rabe in handfuls, tossing until completely wilted.
  4. Pour the dry pasta and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-12 minutes (stirring occasionally) until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Preheat your oven's broiler.
  6. Uncover the skillet and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Top the pasta with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and sprinkle evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are dark golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Broth Check: If the pan dries out before the pasta is cooked, stir in an extra 1/2 cup of warm water or broth and continue simmering.