Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli: A Delicious and Nutritious Dinner
Pasta with sausage and broccoli is a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the heartiness of Italian sausage with the crunch and freshness of broccoli. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
✨ What Makes This Recipe Special
The beauty of this pasta with sausage and broccoli recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory sausage pairs beautifully with the slightly charred, tender broccoli, creating a dynamic and satisfying dish. Plus, the addition of garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of white wine or broth elevates the overall taste, making it a truly crave-worthy meal.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences, whether you’re looking for a heartier, protein-packed dish or a lighter, more veggie-forward option. And with the ability to make it ahead of time or freeze for later, this recipe is a true lifesaver for busy home cooks.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
The beauty of this pasta with sausage and broccoli is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory sausage, tender broccoli, and a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made this type of recipe a perennial favorite.
👨🍳 How to Make Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Step-by-Step
• Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Step 3: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
• Step 4: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 5: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional pasta bakes or casseroles, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this pasta with sausage and broccoli saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 723mg
These pasta with sausage and broccoli dishes provide approximately 50% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal
• Complement with a glass of dry white wine or a light, crisp beer for an Italian-inspired feast
• For a casual family dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple side of sautéed spinach
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not draining the pasta properly: Make sure to drain the pasta well before adding it to the skillet. Excess water can dilute the flavors and make the dish watery.
• Skipping the sear on the sausage: Taking the time to brown the sausage before adding the other ingredients adds a deeper, more complex flavor to the dish.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Be sure to use a large enough skillet to allow the sausage and broccoli to cook properly without steaming. Overcrowding can result in a soggy, unappealing texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These pasta with sausage and broccoli dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to help restore the texture. Microwaving can work, but may result in a slightly drier or chewier texture.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I prepare this pasta dish?
You can prepare the entire dish up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can assemble the dish, but hold off on cooking the pasta until you’re ready to serve. The uncooked pasta can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Absolutely! You can use sweet or spicy Italian sausage, or even substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different sausage varieties may have different cooking times.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Both modifications are easy to make without compromising the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I do if my pasta is sticking together?
If you find that your cooked pasta is sticking together, try tossing it with a bit of olive oil or butter after draining. This will help prevent the noodles from clumping. You can also try running the pasta under cold water briefly to help separate the strands.
Can I add any additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This pasta dish is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetables. Try adding sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These pasta with sausage and broccoli dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion meal, they’re sure to impress with their satisfying texture and bold, Italian-inspired flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this delicious and nutritious recipe a try tonight? Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
