Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this one-pan wonder: Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli. This quick and flavorful recipe brings together tender penne or fusilli, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce that's perfectly finished with a hint of red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of melted Parmesan cheese. With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, this dish strikes the ideal balance of convenience and wholesome ingredients, making it a fantastic option for busy families or meal preppers. The secret to its creamy, light sauce lies in reserved pasta water, creating a luscious coating without heavy cream. Serve it piping hot with extra Parmesan on the side for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 links chicken sausage
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the chicken sausage into 1/4-inch rounds and cook them in the skillet until browned on both sides and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of water. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for 5-6 minutes, or until bright green and tender. Stir occasionally.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix with the broccoli. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.
Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss to combine until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1763 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 97.3 g | 125% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.3 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 280 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 5128 mg | 223% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 127.4 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 98.6 g | 197% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 656 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1029 mg | 22% | |
*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.
