Delicious Sausage Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Quick Dinners

There’s something comforting about a dish that brings together vivid colors, hearty flavors, and a splash of nostalgia. Whenever I think of weeknight dinners growing up, I’m swept back to my mom’s bustling kitchen, where the rich smell of sautéing garlic and sausage mingled with the fresh, earthy scent of broccoli. It was like a cozy hug on a plate! Fast forward to my kitchen today, and I still find myself drawn to that same simple goodness, particularly when I whip up a plate of Sausage and Broccoli Pasta.

This dish has everything I love: it’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours slaving over the stove. Plus, it’s a delightful way to sneak in some green veggies without the kiddos (or adults!) batting an eye!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have at home.
• Comforting flavors: A winning combination of savory sausage and fresh broccoli.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (your choice, but I love penne or fusilli!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds way more punch than powdered!)
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (because cheese makes everything better!)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for a beautiful garnish!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking should feel inviting, so let’s cozy up in the kitchen together! Here’s how to whip up this scrumptious Sausage and Broccoli Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining! It’ll be magic for your sauce later.
2. Sauté the sausage: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be divine!
3. Add the garlic: Once the sausage is browned, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it—you want that sweet garlic flavor, not bitterness!
4. Incorporate broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, cover, and let it steam for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. You want those crisp little pieces that pop with every bite!
5. Combine pasta and sausage mixture: Once the broccoli is perfectly cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet. If the mixture looks a bit dry, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir it all together until the pasta is well-coated and the flavors meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finishing touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together so the cheese gets all melty and delicious. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for that extra freshness and a pop of color.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to play around with it! Here are a few fun twists and ideas to personalize your Sausage and Broccoli Pasta:

• Change up the protein: Try using turkey sausage for a lighter option or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version!
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy punch.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or crème fraîche for a richer dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
• Veggie overload: Feel free to throw in other veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this hearty dish, I love plating it up family-style in a large bowl, letting everyone dig in! Serve it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread to soak up all those delicious juices. A simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding a fresh touch. A glass of your favorite white wine is also a lovely companion if you’re feeling fancy! Imagine the feel of a cozy evening at home, and you’ll want to savor every bite.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which… let’s be honest, I rarely do!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up, and it should be good as new!

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you adore will work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose. I often switch it up with spaghetti or shells, depending on what I have on hand!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers, and you’ll have an easy-to-reheat lunch or dinner ready to go!

Can I add more vegetables?

For sure! Feel free to toss in any veggies you love or have lying around. Carrots, bell peppers, and peas would all make a lovely addition to the mix, and they’ll contribute extra nutrition and flavor!

How spicy is this dish? Will kids enjoy it?

The heat depends on the type of sausage you use—sweet Italian sausage is mild. If you want to make it kid-friendly, choose the mild option, and skip the red pepper flakes. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for those who like it a little spicier!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a warm, inviting dish of Sausage and Broccoli Pasta that checks all the boxes for comfort, taste, and ease! I hope it warms your kitchen and your heart just as it does mine. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below to share your experience or any fun twists you added. Happy cooking!

Delicious Sausage Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Quick Dinners

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this quick Sausage Broccoli Pasta dish a perfect blend for busy weeknight dinners Enjoy savory flavors in every bite 143 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 ounces pasta (your choice, but I love penne or fusilli!)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets

½ cup chicken or vegetable broth

Salt and pepper, to taste

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining!

Sauté the sausage: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the garlic: Once the sausage is browned, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

Incorporate broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, cover, and let it steam for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.

Combine pasta and sausage mixture: Once the broccoli is perfectly cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet. If the mixture looks a bit dry, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Finishing touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together so the cheese gets all melty and delicious.

Notes

A comforting dish that combines savory sausage with fresh broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 24 grams

Keywords: Sausage Pasta, Broccoli Pasta, Italian Recipe, Easy Dinner