Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting, flavorful meal made with tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh broccoli tossed in a delicious sauce. The sausage adds plenty of rich flavor, while the broccoli brings a fresh bite and a little color to the dish. Everything comes together with simple seasonings and a creamy or savory sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, making each bite hearty and satisfying.
This easy pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling homemade dinner without a lot of work. It’s a great way to add vegetables to a comforting pasta meal, and you can use your favorite type of sausage or pasta. Serve it with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete dinner the whole family can enjoy.
Table of Contents
Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette
- 10 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, optional, for serving
How to Make Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, save about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Broccoli
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Add the broccoli, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Add the butter and a little of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is nicely coated.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a little more pasta water if needed. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy : This pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients : You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to make a delicious dinner.
- Full of Flavor : Savory sausage, garlic, Parmesan, and simple seasonings make every bite tasty.
- A Complete Meal : Pasta, sausage, and broccoli give you a filling combination in one dish.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Use Pre-Cut Broccoli : Save time by buying broccoli florets that are already washed and cut.
- Cook Pasta and Sausage Together : While the pasta is boiling, cook the sausage in a separate skillet to make the recipe faster.
- Save the Pasta Water : Keep about ½ cup before draining. It helps loosen the pasta and makes everything come together smoothly.
- Grate Parmesan Ahead of Time : Grating the cheese before you start cooking makes the final step quicker and easier.
What to Serve with Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
This sausage and broccoli pasta is a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together beautifully for a busy weeknight. I enjoy serving it with warm garlic bread or a simple tomato salad, and it goes perfectly with Smoothie, or Limeade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli ?
Yes. Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Add it to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender.
What kind of sausage is best ?
Italian sausage works especially well. You can use mild sausage for a family-friendly meal or spicy sausage for extra heat.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming dry ?
Save some pasta water before draining. Add a few tablespoons to the skillet while mixing everything together.
Can I add other vegetables ?
Of course! Spinach, zucchini, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Let the Sausage and Broccoli Pasta cool slightly, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from becoming dry.
Freezer Storage
Allow the pasta to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water or broth.
Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes520
kcal30
minutesSausage and Broccoli Pasta is an easy and comforting dinner made with tender pasta, savory sausage, fresh broccoli, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings. It is quick to prepare, filling, and perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette
10 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, optional, for serving
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta ,Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, save about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Broccoli ,Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Add the broccoli, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 3: Combine Everything ,Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Add the butter and a little of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is nicely coated.
- Step 4: Finish and Serve ,Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a little more pasta water if needed. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta. Cook it until al dente so it keeps a nice texture.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen broccoli works when needed.
- Grate Parmesan fresh when possible because it melts and mixes more easily.
- Taste before adding salt because sausage and Parmesan can already be salty.
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