Pasta with Broccoli Italian Sausage
Savor the hearty and comforting flavors of Pasta with Broccoli and Italian Sausage, a one-pan Italian-inspired dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. This quick and flavorful recipe combines al dente pasta—like penne, fusilli, or orecchiette—with tender broccoli florets and savory Italian sausage, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Enhanced by a simple yet aromatic sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese that melts into every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile recipe is ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough to impress dinner guests. Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal that celebrates the simplicity of Italian cooking. Keywords: pasta with broccoli and sausage, Italian sausage recipes, quick weeknight pasta dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or orecchiette)
- 2 medium broccoli crowns
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 whole garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the broccoli crowns into small florets and set them aside.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet.
Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir in the red pepper flakes and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
582 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.9 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 1464 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.0 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 27.9 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 195 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 651 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
