Best 5 Spicy Baked Pasta With Cheddar And Broccoli Rabe Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Spicy Baked Pasta with Cheddar and Broccoli Rabe. This delectable dish tantalizes your taste buds with a medley of zesty spices, creamy cheddar cheese, and the earthy goodness of broccoli rabe. Dive into a hearty and comforting pasta bake that seamlessly blends warmth, spice, and cheesy goodness.

Savory Italian sausage and tender penne pasta create a flavorful base, while a combination of chili flakes, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest adds a vibrant kick. Broccoli rabe, with its slightly bitter and peppery notes, balances the richness of the cheddar cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Our recipe collection offers variations to suit your preferences. For a creamy and comforting experience, try the Ultimate Mac and Cheese, where velvety béchamel sauce envelops tender pasta, topped with a golden-brown crust. If you crave a lighter option, the Lemon Ricotta Pasta offers a refreshing twist with its bright citrus flavors and the delicate creaminess of ricotta cheese.

For those who love a touch of heat, the Spicy Arrabiata Pasta delivers a delightful kick with its fiery tomato sauce, complemented by the subtle sweetness of bell peppers. And if you're a fan of classic Italian flavors, the Pasta alla Carbonara showcases the simplicity and elegance of eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and crispy pancetta.

No matter your taste, our selection of baked pasta recipes promises a culinary adventure that will satisfy your cravings. Embark on a journey of flavor and discover the perfect pasta bake that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PASTA WITH SPICY BROCCOLI RABE AND PINE NUTS



Pasta With Spicy Broccoli Rabe and Pine Nuts image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     pastas, main course, side dish

Time 30m

Yield Four servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 bunches broccoli rabe (about 1 pound each), ends trimmed off, cut across into 1-inch pieces
1 pound penne
4 teaspoons olive oil
6 tablespoons pine nuts
8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
4 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the broccoli rabe and blanch for 1 minute. Drain and pat dry. Bring another large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, tossing frequently, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli rabe, the water and the red pepper flakes and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta and add the broccoli rabe mixture, the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, the lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 608, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 96 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 24 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 888 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

BROCCOLI RABE WITH PASTA



Broccoli Rabe With Pasta image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound broccoli rabe
3/4 pound tubular pasta, like penne or rigatoni
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 large red sweet pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1 1/2-inch-long strips
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2 cups crushed tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Trim and wash the broccoli rabe, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Wash in cold water, and drain.
  • In a large kettle, add enough salted water to cook the broccoli rabe. Bring to a boil, and cook until crisply tender. Do not overcook. Remove the broccoli rabe, and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid in the kettle.
  • Bring the kettle with the cooking liquid to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook according to the package instructions. Do not overcook. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet, and add the garlic. Cook briefly, do not brown. Add the pepper flakes, the sweet pepper, rosemary and oregano, and cook, stirring briefly. Add the crushed tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the drained pasta, the cooked broccoli rabe and the reserved cooking liquid, the remaining olive oil and the Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring and tossing, for 1 minute. Check seasoning; serve immediately on hot serving plates.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 574, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 80 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 911 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams

BAKED ALFREDO PASTA WITH BROCCOLI RABE AND LEMON



Baked Alfredo Pasta With Broccoli Rabe and Lemon image

One of the great things about baked pastas is that you can get two different textures in one dish. Take the typical pasta Alfredo that's prepared in a skillet: It's delightfully creamy and lush, but the same, bite after bite. But add a green vegetable to that Alfredo pasta, pile it into a dish, top it with melty cheese and a crunchy bread crumbs, then bake it, and you get a vegetarian dinner that's got it all. If broccoli rabe isn't your thing, you can substitute cut asparagus or broccoli florets.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, weeknight, pastas, main course

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
2 cups finely grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Black pepper
1 pound casarecce, cavatappi or other small tubed or curly pasta
1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1 small garlic clove, grated
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 500 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Place the butter in a 9-by-13-inch/3-quart pan or baking dish and transfer it to the oven to melt while the oven heats; remove it from the oven once it's melted.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the panko, 1/4 cup Parmesan and the lemon zest. Add 1 tablespoon of the melted butter from the baking pan, stir until the panko is moistened with butter, then season with salt and pepper.
  • When the water's boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. During the last minute of cooking, add the broccoli rabe. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli rabe.
  • Whisk the cream, garlic and pasta water into the melted butter in the baking dish until smooth. Add the remaining Parmesan in large handfuls, vigorously whisking until smooth and combined. Add the pasta, broccoli rabe and half the mozzarella. Taste, and season well with salt and pepper. Stir until very combined.
  • Top with the remaining mozzarella, then sprinkle evenly with the panko mixture. Bake until the mozzarella has melted and the panko is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

SHEET-PAN SPICY ROASTED BROCCOLI PASTA



Sheet-Pan Spicy Roasted Broccoli Pasta image

Think of this as the sheet-pan version of a classic, cheese-covered pasta bake. It has all the elements of the usual casserole - the pasta and vegetables tossed with ricotta and topped with Parmesan-dusted bread crumbs. But because all the ingredients are spread out on a sheet pan instead of being piled into a baking dish, everything browns, which in turn means more crunch and crisp edges. First, the broccoli is roasted until it softens and browns. Then, the other ingredients are spooned on top, and everything is quickly baked, making for a speedy, vegetarian weeknight meal. It's worth seeking out really good ricotta here. With so few ingredients, every one makes a difference.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
12 ounces chiocciole or other tube-shaped pasta
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces best quality, whole milk ricotta
Fresh lemon juice, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss together broccoli, oil, cumin (if using), 3/4 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Roast until tender and browned at the edges, 18 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Remove from oven and set oven to broil.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
  • In a small bowl, stir together Parmesan, panko, lemon zest, a pinch of salt and the black pepper.
  • Toss cooked pasta with broccoli on baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then dollop with ricotta. Sprinkle with Parmesan mix, drizzle generously with oil, and broil until topping is crisped and golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice to taste, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 676, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 89 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 33 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 660 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams

PASTA WITH SPICY SAUSAGE, BROCCOLI RABE AND CHICKPEAS



Pasta With Spicy Sausage, Broccoli Rabe and Chickpeas image

In this hearty weeknight pasta recipe, chickpeas contribute an earthy, nutty flavor to the classic combination of sausage and broccoli rabe. The addition of Parmesan, butter, and lemon juice just before serving balances the heat from the sausage with a bit of richness, creating a bright and flavorful sauce in the process. This pasta is incredibly versatile: You can use any sturdy greens or even broccoli in place of the broccoli rabe, and feel free to swap in whatever pasta shape and canned beans you have on hand. You can even substitute sweet Italian sausage or ground pork or turkey for the sausage in a pinch; add about 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes to give this dish its spicy kick.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     dinner, easy, weeknight, beans, meat, pastas, vegetables, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 pounds broccoli rabe or broccoli, chopped, tough stems discarded, or hearty greens like kale or escarole
1 pound shaped pasta, such as campanelle or orecchiette
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed, or sweet Italian sausage, ground pork or turkey
3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken stock
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas or other white beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino, plus more for serving
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Roughly chop the broccoli rabe, add it to the pot, and cook for 3 minutes. Use a sieve or slotted spoon to lift the broccoli rabe from the water and place it in a colander to drain.
  • Bring the water back to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  • Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven or deep, 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. (Don't worry if the sausage is not completely cooked through.) Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the wine and cook, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan, until the wine is reduced by half, about 1 minute.
  • Add the broccoli rabe, chickpeas, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sausage is cooked through and the broccoli rabe is very tender, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the pasta and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, toss well, and cook over low heat until the sauce comes together, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add additional pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, if needed for moisture.
  • Remove the pan from the heat, add the butter, Parmesan, lemon zest and lemon juice, and toss until the butter is melted. Divide pasta among shallow bowls and top with additional cheese sprinkled on top.

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling.
  • Choose the Right Pasta: Use a short, sturdy pasta for this dish, such as penne, macaroni, or shells. These pastas will hold up well to the thick sauce and broccoli rabe.
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook it. Al dente pasta is best.
  • Use Fresh Broccoli Rabe: Fresh broccoli rabe is essential for this dish. Look for broccoli rabe that is deep green and has firm stems.
  • Sauté the Broccoli Rabe Properly: Sauté the broccoli rabe in olive oil until it is tender but still has a slight crunch.
  • Make a Roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. Make sure to cook the roux until it is golden brown.
  • Use a Good Quality Cheddar Cheese: Use a sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
  • Don't Overbake the Pasta: Bake the pasta for just long enough to heat it through and melt the cheese. Overbaking the pasta will make it dry and tough.

Conclusion:

This spicy baked pasta with cheddar and broccoli rabe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy broccoli rabe. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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