Weeknight • Pasta
Zesty Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
A bright and satisfying pasta dish featuring flavorful chicken sausage, tender broccoli, and a light lemon sauce.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Looking for a pasta dish that feels fresh and vibrant? This Zesty Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is here to deliver! It’s packed with lean protein, healthy greens, and a zingy lemon garlic sauce that will wake up your taste buds and have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz short pasta (such as orecchiette or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb pre-cooked chicken sausage, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 3
Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
Step 4
Return sausage to the skillet with the broccoli. Add the cooked and drained pasta, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
Step 5
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). 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.
- Swap broccoli for finely chopped asparagus or spinach for a different green.
- Choosing a good quality pre-cooked chicken sausage is key for flavor and convenience!
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