If you’re craving a dish that brings together vibrant greens and rich, savory flavors, look no further than this Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe. It brilliantly balances tender pasta with the slight crunch of fresh broccoli and the boldness of Italian sausage, all tied together with fragrant garlic and a zesty splash of lemon. It’s a heartwarming meal perfect for any day of the week, delivering comfort and a touch of elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds an essential layer—whether it’s seasoning, texture, or color—building a dish that’s both approachable and satisfying.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures your pasta and broccoli have the perfect seasoning.
- 1 pound short pasta (fusilli or orecchiette): These shapes hold sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying bite.
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets: Adds a fresh, green crunch with a mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Creates a luscious base in the pan and a hint of fruity richness.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed: Brings depth and a slightly spicy, savory punch to the dish.
- 1 shallot, minced: Offers sweetness and subtle complexity without overpowering.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the pasta with its classic, irresistible aroma and taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who like a gentle heat kick.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the whole dish with a fresh, tangy lift.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a touch of bite to finish the flavor profile.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: An indulgent, salty topping to make every mouthful truly special.
How to Make Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a robust boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until it’s just shy of al dente—this ensures it finishes perfectly in the sauce without getting mushy. Four to five minutes before the pasta is ready, toss in the broccoli florets and let them cook alongside to become tender but still maintain a satisfying bite. Don’t forget to set aside a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for marrying the flavors together.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage and Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet, warm your extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it sizzles and browns, releasing those delicious meaty aromas. After about three minutes, stir in the minced shallots to soften and sweeten the mix. Two minutes later, introduce the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if you like that subtle heat—it’s the perfect time to cultivate layers of flavor until the garlic is beautifully fragrant and the sausage is cooked through.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sausage
Add your drained pasta and broccoli right into the skillet with the sausage. Pour over the juice of one lemon to brighten the whole dish. Toss everything together so the flavors meld beautifully, adding reserved pasta water as needed. This starchy water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to every twist and floret, ensuring each bite delights with perfect harmony.
Step 4: Serve with Parmesan and Olive Oil Drizzle
When it’s time to plate, serve your Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe immediately. Generous shavings or grating of Parmesan cheese add a nutty, savory finish. Don’t hesitate to drizzle a little more extra-virgin olive oil for an extra layer of richness and a glossy sheen that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish effortlessly. Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous notes or a handful of toasted pine nuts for unexpected crunch. A few lemon zest curls make the presentation pop and reinforce that lovely citrus brightness throughout the meal.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe pairs fantastically with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinegar. For additional comfort, try crusty garlic bread—its crunchy outside and soft, buttery inside are a perfect foil to the pasta’s textures. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato and mozzarella salad can also round out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, communal vibe. Alternatively, for a dinner party, twirl the pasta around a fork and place it artistically on the plate, then add sausage and broccoli strategically on top. Drizzle olive oil and grate Parmesan freshly at the table—your guests will feel like they’re in an Italian trattoria!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more with time, making it a wonderful second-day meal. Just be mindful that the broccoli may soften further, so treat leftovers gently during reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of broccoli may change slightly. To freeze, cool the pasta completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve as much texture as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry. Microwave is fine but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Finish with a fresh drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan to revive that just-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli or orecchiette are ideal for holding sauce, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle will work just as well. The key is choosing a pasta shape that can capture both the sauce and broccoli pieces.
Is it necessary to remove the sausage casings?
Yes, removing the casings allows you to crumble the sausage while cooking, ensuring it cooks evenly and distributes throughout the pasta, offering consistent flavor in every bite.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or roasted mushrooms for a similarly savory, hearty experience without the meat.
What if I don’t have shallots on hand?
You can substitute with finely chopped yellow onion or a small amount of sweet onion, but shallots bring the most delicate sweetness and subtle complexity that enhances the dish.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level or add a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the sausage. Fresh chili slices can also add a vibrant kick.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that’s simple to make yet feels like a special occasion every time. With its fresh flavors, comforting textures, and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic weeknight winner or a dish to impress friends around the table. Do yourself a favor—give it a try and enjoy the cozy, satisfying magic it brings!
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Broccoli and Sausage Pasta Recipe
This Broccoli and Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal combining tender pasta, sautéed Italian sausage, and fresh broccoli florets, all tossed in a lemon-infused olive oil sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors with a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1 pound short pasta (such as fusilli or orecchiette)
- 1 head broccoli (chopped into florets)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until nearly al dente. In the last 4 to 5 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot to blanch. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli together.
- Brown Sausage and Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks and browns. After 3 minutes, add the minced shallots and cook for 2 more minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if using, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and the sausage is fully cooked through.
- Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sausage: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the cooked sausage mixture. Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and meld the flavors. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the short pasta with any other shape you prefer such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
- If you want a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- To make it lighter, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- Adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts gives a nice texture contrast.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
