Penne with Sausage and Broccoli
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Penne with Sausage and Broccoli, a quick and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender penne pasta, juicy Italian sausage, and vibrant broccoli florets, all tossed together in a garlicky olive oil sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a touch of reserved pasta water to create a velvety coating, this one-pan wonder is as easy to make as it is delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this family-friendly classic is a perfect balance of hearty and healthy, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to please!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 12 ounces Italian sausage
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage if necessary, then add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving the fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic and oil mixture. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to help steam the broccoli. Cover the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and an additional 1/4-1/2 cup of reserved pasta water, as needed, to create a light and creamy sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the mixture well to evenly coat the pasta and broccoli in the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3165 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.8 g | 201% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.0 g | 285% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 367 mg | 122% | |
| Sodium | 6889 mg | 300% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 285.1 g | 104% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.6 g | ||
| Protein | 164.0 g | 328% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.4 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 1545 mg | 119% | |
| Iron | 20.8 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 1938 mg | 41% | |
*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.
