Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Sausage and Broccoli Pasta. It all comes together in one skillet with hearty whole wheat pasta, savory sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli. Then it gets tossed in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce.
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This easy dinner recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor—and best of all, it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. With just a few good-for-you ingredients, this is the kind of easy comfort food you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this sausage broccoli dish.
- First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- With just a few ingredients, you can have a wholesome meal on the table in under 20 minutes.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate healthy broccoli into your diet.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy, making it a great option for families.
- This pasta dish is great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Feel free to add in leftover veggies for added flavor.
- Check out this Chicken Sausage Pasta for another family friendly dinner!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for this broccoli sausage pasta. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full recipe.
First, choose your pasta. We prefer using whole wheat pasta. Penne is great! If you are gluten free, use gluten free pasta.
Feel free to use pork or chicken sausage. Both are great options.
Fresh broccoli works well! If you only have frozen, thaw beforehand.
Olive oil helps cook the sausage and broccoli. Avocado oil works well too.
Minced garlic adds delicious flavor!
Lastly, season with sea salt and pepper to your liking.
Taste & Texture
This sausage broccoli pasta offers a delightful combination of tastes and textures. The sausage provides a savory, satisfying bite, while the broccoli adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
The al dente pasta gives it a comforting chewiness, and the simple olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper seasoning ties everything together with a clean, savory flavor.
How to Make Sausage Broccoli Pasta
Step 1
First, cook the pasta until al dente. Then, drain the pasta.
Step 2
In a large skillet, add the sliced sausage, broccoli, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the sausage and broccoli are cooked through.
Step 4
Add the pasta back to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 1 minute.
Step 5
Finally, serve this sausage broccoli pasta!
Expert Tips for Success
Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While the recipe calls for whole wheat pasta, feel free to use your favorite! Penne, rotini, or farfalle all work well. The key is to cook it al dente – firm to the bite – so it holds up to the other ingredients.
Sausage Selection: We love using Trader Joe’s chicken sausages because they’re pre-cooked and have no added sugar. However, any pre-cooked sausage will work! Just be sure to slice it into rounds for even cooking.
Broccoli Prep: Whether you use fresh or frozen broccoli, make sure it’s cut into bite-sized florets. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess water from diluting the flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Cook the sausage and broccoli just until heated through and slightly tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to retain some of its vibrant green color and a little bite.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
This sausage and broccoli pasta is incredibly versatile!
Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the other ingredients.
Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast at the end to add a savory, umami flavor.
Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
How to Serve & Store
Serve this sausage broccoli pasta immediately. It is best served hot and fresh.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pre-cooked chicken, turkey, or pork sausage all work well. Choose your favorite, or go for a spicy variety for extra flavor.
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and consider adding a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber. You could also use a plant-based sausage alternative.
No problem! You can use any type of pasta you prefer – gluten-free or even a different shape.
This recipe is designed for pre-cooked sausage for speed and ease. If you use raw sausage, you’ll need to cook it thoroughly in the skillet before adding the broccoli and other ingredients, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Equipment Needed
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this chicken broccoli alfredo recipe.
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