If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and effortless, this Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines hearty Italian sausage, vibrant broccoli, and creamy parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a busy family weeknight crowd or craving a flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances savory, fresh, and creamy flavors that always impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe plays a starring role, from the spicy Italian sausage adding bold flavor to the broccoli bringing a fresh crunch and bright green color. Together with the rich half-and-half and sharp parmesan, these simple components set the stage for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type—penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work beautifully and catch the sauce well.
- 17.6 oz (500g) Italian sausages: Packed with herbs and spices, these give the dish its savory depth; remove casings and crumble or slice as preferred.
- 1 head broccoli (cut into small florets): Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a slight crunch that contrasts the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic provides a fragrant, flavorful base essential for any good pasta sauce.
- 1 cup half-and-half: Offers just the right amount of creaminess without overpowering the other flavors or making the sauce too heavy.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan lends a wonderful salty and nutty finish that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (to taste): A pinch or two adds a gentle heat that wakes up the taste buds and enhances the sausage’s spice.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta al dente, according to package directions, is key to achieving the perfect texture that holds up nicely once tossed with the sauce. Once done, drain but don’t rinse — you want to preserve some starch to help the sauce cling better.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the cut or crumbled Italian sausage. Stir often and let it brown evenly over about 8 to 10 minutes. That caramelization is where lots of flavor develops, so take your time here to get a nice golden color while making sure it’s cooked through.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
After the sausage has browned, reduce the heat to medium, add the broccoli florets to the same skillet, and cover it. Let the broccoli steam for around 4 minutes, which softens it just enough while keeping its vibrant green color and fresh bite intact.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cooking the garlic briefly releases its amazing aroma without it burning or turning bitter—this step enhances the sauce’s flavor base in a subtle but essential way.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the half-and-half and bring it to a gentle bubble. Use your spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan—they’re pure gold packed with flavor. Check the broccoli’s tenderness and cook a little longer if you want it softer.
Step 6: Finish and Toss
Turn off the heat before stirring in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, which will melt smoothly to thicken and enrich the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together to ensure every bite is fully coated with that luscious sauce. Serve right away for the best experience.
How to Serve Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pasta with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese to add salty richness and a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for an herbal brightness. A little drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also elevate the dish with a subtle zing.
Side Dishes
This Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some garlicky toasted bread to help soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms also make lovely, hearty side options.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a more elegant look. You can even bake it topped with extra parmesan or mozzarella in a hot oven just until golden and bubbly. Adding toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking gives an irresistible crunch for texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner that still feels fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Note that the broccoli’s texture might soften more upon thawing, but the flavor remains delicious and comforting.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or half-and-half to loosen the sauce if it seems thick. Microwaving works too, but keep it covered to retain moisture and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings a classic flavor, you can substitute with chicken sausage, chorizo, or even a vegetarian sausage depending on your preference. Adjust seasoning accordingly since some sausages are spicier than others.
Is it necessary to use half-and-half?
Half-and-half gives the sauce a creamy texture without being overly heavy, but you can swap it for heavy cream, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary needs. Just keep in mind this may slightly change the richness of the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the sausage. Using spicy Italian sausage also amps up the overall kick of the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
While this version relies on sausage and parmesan, you can make a vegan adaptation using plant-based sausage, non-dairy cream alternatives, and nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan substitutes for that cheesy flavor.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are fantastic options because their ridges and tubes hold sauce well. Spaghetti or linguine also work if you prefer a longer noodle — it’s mostly down to your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a special treat without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity, comforting creaminess, and balance of fresh veggies with robust sausage make it a versatile favorite that’s perfect for anytime you want a satisfying meal. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to for you and your loved ones!
Print
Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and comforting Simple Sausage and Broccoli Pasta featuring Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and a creamy parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines savory sausage with tender broccoli florets tossed in a rich half-and-half and parmesan cheese sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 (17.6 oz/500g) Italian sausages, cut into small pieces or crumbled
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage pieces and cook, stirring often, until browned and mostly cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cook Broccoli: Reduce the heat to medium, add the broccoli florets to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 4 minutes to soften the broccoli slightly.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the half-and-half, allowing it to bubble gently for a couple of minutes while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. Check broccoli for doneness and cook longer if needed.
- Finish Sauce and Combine: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly with the sauce and sausage mixture. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage according to your preferred spice level (mild or spicy).
- This dish can be prepared with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Half-and-half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer sauce or a dairy-free alternative if necessary.
- To save time, cook pasta ahead of time and reheat with sauce before serving.
