Weeknight • Pasta
Hearty Sausage & Broccoli Pasta Skillet
This satisfying one-pan pasta combines savory sausage, tender broccoli, and a light yet flavorful sauce.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
Advertisement
Sometimes, you just need a big bowl of comfort that's also quick and easy to clean up. Enter this Hearty Sausage & Broccoli Pasta Skillet! It's a fantastic weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor and comes together in just one pan. Dinner just got a whole lot simpler and more delicious.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set sausage aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the broccoli brightens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their liquid). Bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta and cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Step 5
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6
Remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas.
- Don't worry if the sauce looks a little loose at first; the pasta will absorb more liquid as it cools.
- A splash of heavy cream right at the end can make this dish extra luxurious.
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.