Baked Pasta Shells with Sausage and Greens

Ingredients for Baked Pasta Shells with Sausage and Greens

• 60ml plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 450g sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed

• 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped sage, plus 10 leaves for serving

• 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

• 475ml half-and-half

• 350g Fontina and/or aged cheddar, coarsely grated, divided

• 450g ridged medium pasta shells (such as lumaconi) or large tube pasta (such as rigatoni)

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, stems cut into 2" pieces, leafy ends left long

Place racks in middle and upper third of oven; preheat to 163°C. Heat a large, deep ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Pour in 60ml oil; add sausage and break up into small pieces. Cook, undisturbed, until browned underneath, about 4 minutes. Stir a few times; cook, undisturbed, until cooked through, about 3 minutes.

Add garlic, chopped sage, and red pepper flakes to sausage and cook, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Mix in half-and-half and simmer until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stirring constantly, gradually add two-thirds of the cheese a little at a time, letting it melt before adding more. Cook, stirring, until sauce is smooth and thick, about 3 minutes; season with salt. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally and adding broccoli rabe during the last 2 minutes, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain in a colander, shaking well. Return pasta and broccoli rabe to pot.

Add sausage mixture to pasta and toss to coat; transfer to skillet. Cover with foil and bake on middle rack until pasta is al dente and sauce is bubbling, 30–40 minutes. Remove from oven. Heat grill.

Top pasta with remaining cheese. Toss sage leaves and remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl; arrange over pasta. Grill on upper rack until cheese is browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.