Weeknight • Pasta
Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Skillet
A comforting one-pan pasta skillet featuring savory sausage and tender broccoli florets.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Who doesn't love a dish that delivers big flavor and minimal cleanup? This Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Skillet is exactly that! It's a rich, satisfying meal cooked entirely in one pan (or a large pot), making it a perfect candidate for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and delicious without a pile of dishes afterward. The sausage adds fantastic savory depth, while the broccoli brings a welcome freshness.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz campanelle or orecchiette pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Step 4
Stir in the broccoli florets, re-cover, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5
Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6
Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Use a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Don't worry if the sauce seems a little thin at first; it will thicken as the pasta absorbs the liquid.
- Feel free to swap broccoli for other quick-cooking veggies like spinach (stir in at the very end!) or chopped bell peppers (add with the onion).
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