Weeknight • Pasta
Cozy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
A comforting pasta dish featuring savory sausage, tender broccoli, and a light garlic-parmesan sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Sometimes, all you need is a big bowl of cozy pasta to make everything feel right. This Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is exactly that: comforting, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time on your hands. Get ready to love your new go-to pasta dish!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz short pasta (like orecchiette, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3
Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli starts to tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, cook until thawed and tender.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce that coats everything, if needed.
Step 5
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra greens.
- Don't overcook your broccoli! You want it tender-crisp for the best texture.
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