Ingredients: |
Ingredients: Topping: 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pasta: 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta 1 pound rigatoni pasta 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed 1 large or 2 small heads broccoli, chopped into small florets 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped One 25-ounce jar marinara sauce 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Directions: |
Directions:* Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. * For the topping: Add the ricotta, basil, and salt to a small bowl. Stir together with a rubber spatula. Set aside. * For the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Season well with salt and cook the rigatoni for 5 minutes. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. * Meanwhile, heat a large braiser or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sausage to the pan. Cook, stirring often and breaking apart the meat with the back of a spoon, until beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the broccoli and garlic and cook to marry the flavors, about 3 minutes. Stir in the marinara and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully combined. Add the pasta to the pan and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat. Add the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly. * Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the top. Nestle the ricotta mixture into the pasta and cover with some of the pasta. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. |