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If you love hearty, flavorful, and comforting meals that come together in no time, this Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Combining savory Italian sausage with tender broccoli florets and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with garlic, red pepper flakes, and cheesy Parmesan, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rich and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding friends, this recipe delivers satisfying flavors and a beautiful plate every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each adding its own flair to the dish: from the spicy, meaty depth of Italian sausage to the vibrant green crunch of broccoli, and the silky, sharp finish from Parmesan cheese. Using these straightforward components guarantees a vibrant, flavorful meal without fuss.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or orecchiette): Holds sauce beautifully and has a delightful bite.
- 8 oz Italian sausage, casings removed: Adds rich, savory flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Brings a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and beautiful color contrast.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: The base for sautéing, adding a smooth, fruity richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle spicy kick that awakens the palate.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for creamy, umami-packed goodness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. About three minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets to cook them until tender but still crisp. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water—it will be your secret to creating a luscious sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Take your time here; browning the sausage until it’s nicely caramelized (around 5 to 6 minutes) builds incredible flavor that’s key to the dish’s success.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once your sausage is browned, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Give everything a quick stir and sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—this brief step wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sausage
Now it’s time for the magic moment. Add the drained pasta and broccoli directly into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Toss everything together over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water little by little. This creates a silky sauce that lightly coats every piece, making every bite perfectly creamy without feeling heavy.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the warmth of the pasta. Finally, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a final toss, and your delicious Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is ready to serve hot and fresh.
How to Serve Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or some fresh chopped parsley adds bright color and a fresh note. For a touch of color and crunch, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes make wonderful scarves on top of this vibrant dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a crusty loaf of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a simple caprese salad complement the flavors without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a warm, rustic bowl to invite everyone to dig in or plate individually with a twist—like a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprig of rosemary for visual appeal. For casual diners, try stuffing the sausage and broccoli pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a great option for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious meal longer, freezing is an option. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It freezes best for up to two months, ready to be thawed and reheated when you need a quick, comforting meal.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess and avoid drying out. Microwaving on medium power also works well if you’re short on time—just stir halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a classic flavor profile, you can swap in chicken sausage, chorizo, or even a spicy breakfast sausage to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to add the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are optional and add a subtle heat that complements the sausage and cheese nicely. If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to leave them out without compromising the overall deliciousness.
What pasta shapes work best for the Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe?
Penne and orecchiette are ideal because they catch the sauce and bits of sausage well, but rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle will also work wonderfully. Choose pasta you enjoy and that holds up well when tossed with the sausage and broccoli.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, plant-based sausage, or even roasted chickpeas for protein. The broccoli and garlic build plenty of flavor, so the dish remains hearty and tasty.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness in the center. Start tasting the pasta a minute or two before the package’s suggested cooking time to hit that perfect “just right” texture—this helps the pasta hold up well once combined with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a delightful, cozy meal that never fails to impress whether you’re cooking for family or friends. Its rich flavors, straightforward ingredients, and satisfying textures come together like magic, making it an absolute kitchen winner. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how quickly it can become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
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Print
Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining savory Italian sausage with tender broccoli florets and al dente pasta, all brought together with garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying weeknight meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as penne or orecchiette)
Meat and Vegetables
- 8 oz (225 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups (250 g) broccoli florets
Seasonings and Extras
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- Brown the Sausage: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli with Sausage: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sausage. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using pasta water helps bind the sauce and adds a silky texture.
- Italian sausage can be spicy or mild depending on preference; choose accordingly.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
