Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful Sausage and Broccoli Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for the whole family. Tender pasta, hearty Italian sausage, and vibrant broccoli florets come together in a light, garlic-infused sauce that's finished with a hint of red pepper flakes for just the right kick. This one-pan wonder gets its creamy texture from reserved pasta water, making it both simple and indulgent without relying on heavy cream. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this easy-to-make pasta recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and is ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. Rich in flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients, Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a must-try for fans of Italian-inspired comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 cups Broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.75 cup Pasta water
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Remove the sausage from its casings (if necessary) and break it into small pieces. Add the sausage to the skillet and brown it, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to prevent burning, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam for 4-5 minutes, or until tender yet slightly crisp.
Uncover the skillet and add the cooked pasta to the mixture. Slowly stir in the remaining reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce. Continue stirring until everything is well combined.
Season the pasta with black pepper and additional salt, to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and toss to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1599 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.4 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.1 g | 146% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 173 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 4676 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 126.5 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.6 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 78.3 g | 157% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 669 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 764 mg | 16% | |
*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.
