Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this mouthwatering Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! Imagine a dish that combines the rich, hearty flavors of spicy Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This make-ahead marvel is about to become your new go-to recipe that will have your family begging for seconds and your meal prep game reaching pro-level status!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of Italian sausage, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 12 oz of pasta, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1/4 cup of olive oil and allow it to warm up for about a minute.
- Remove the casing from the 1 lb of Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- When the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the remaining water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli mixture.
- Pour in a little of the reserved pasta water (start with 1/4 cup) to help create a sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, continue adding pasta water as needed.
- Sprinkle the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Serve immediately or allow it to cool before storing in an airtight container for meal prep.
- If making ahead, store the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce as needed.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor - the spicier, the better!
- Don't overcook your broccoli - keep it bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Reserve pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream when tossing the pasta.
- If meal prepping, store the pasta in an airtight container and consume within 4 days for optimal taste and texture.
- When reheating, add a little olive oil or water to refresh the sauce and prevent dryness.
- Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes - penne or rigatoni work wonderfully in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
