Broccoli and Sausage Pasta
Broccoli and Sausage Pasta is a cozy, savory, and nutritious one-pan meal. Tender pasta is tossed with browned Italian sausage, sauteed garlic, and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a light parmesan-garlic olive oil sauce. It’s comforting yet balanced, with a perfect mix of protein, greens, and carbs — ready in under 30 minutes!
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette)
2–3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for finishing
Instructions:
1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
Add broccoli to the pasta pot during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.
Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook Sausage:
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sausage and break it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic and Flavor:
Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Pasta:
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water and stir to coat.
Sprinkle in parmesan and toss everything together until glossy. Add more water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Season and Serve:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
Serve hot, garnished with more parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes & Tips:
Make it creamy: Add ¼ cup cream or a spoonful of ricotta for a creamier version.
Spicy sausage: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for kick.
No pork: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version.
Pasta shape: Orecchiette is traditional in Italian broccoli sausage dishes because it catches the sausage and cheese well.
Questions & Answers:
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! Add it straight to the boiling pasta water or steam and add separately.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 3 g
Sodium: 740 mg