Weeknight • Pasta
Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
A satisfying pasta dish with flavorful sausage, tender broccoli, and a hint of garlic and red pepper.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
Advertisement
This Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is the kind of reliable, comforting meal we all need in our repertoire! It's packed with savory sausage, healthy green broccoli, and a simple but irresistible garlic and red pepper sauce. It's a true weeknight hero that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours on it.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz pasta (such as orecchiette, penne, or rotini)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Step 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Uncover and cook for another 1-2 minutes to reduce the broth slightly.
Step 5
Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce and help the cheese melt smoothly.
Step 6
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, swap sausage for a can of drained cannellini beans and sauté with spices.
- Don't overcook the broccoli; it should still have a little bite to it for best texture.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can really brighten up the flavors.
More recipes you'll love
This hearty, bubbly bake combines pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and a zesty tomato sauce, all topped with melty cheese.
Plump potato gnocchi and savory sausage swim in a rich, velvety tomato sauce for a comforting dish.
A bright and creamy pasta dish with fresh lemon, fragrant dill, and a hint of garlic.