Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
This simple Italian Sausage & Broccoli Pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. Your family will be wowed by this quick and easy 30 minute dinner. Top the penne dish with parmesan & pepper for the best comforting cheesy finish without cream.
Equipment
- large skillet with lid
- large pasta pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne rigate pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage spicy or sweet
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups broccoli florets cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup starchy pasta water
- parmesan cheese, salt & black pepper for topping
Instructions
- Over high heat, start a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the pasta & cook over medium heat. While it is cooking, start the sausage & broccoli. * Cook pasta to package instructions, typically 9-11 minutes (DO NOT overcook or the penne will be mushy)1 pound penne rigate pasta
- In a large skillet, add the sausage and cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Stir frequently so that all sides are brown. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, stir to combine. DO NOT drain the fat.1 pound ground Italian sausage, 4 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Add the broccoli to the skillet and saute for 3 minutes.2 cups broccoli florets
- Using a heat proof measuring cup, scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Add ¾ cup of it to the skillet & place the lid on. Let the broccoli steam until tender for about 3-4 minutes.1 cup starchy pasta water
- Once the broccoli is fork-tender but still slightly crisp, add the butter. Next, use a slotted spoon to add the cooked penne one scoopful at a time to the skillet. Add the parmesan & stir to combine - add a bit more starchy pasta water as needed so all the pasta is covered in a silky sauce.4 tablespoons salted butter, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Turn the heat off & spoon into individual pasta bowls. Season to taste with salt & pepper - top with additional parmesan.parmesan cheese, salt & black pepper
Notes
STORING & REHEATING:
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute, add a pat of butter to refresh & moisten.
- Use sausage links as an alternate to ground - remove casing & crumble/
- Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
- Do NOT use frozen broccoli, it comes out too mushy.
Nutrition
Calories: 397kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 13gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 225mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 544IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
