Sausage Broccoli Pasta
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This Sausage Broccoli Pasta is an easy, flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed with tender broccoli and savory browned sausage, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano cheese for a comforting, satisfying dish that is ready in under 30 minutes.
You’ll love my Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake with White Sauce, Broccoli Pasta, and Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta in Cream Sauce.
Quick Look: Sausage Broccoli Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Dietary Info: can be made Vegetarian and Gluten-Free
- Method: Stovetop
- Technique: Brown the sausage, sauté garlic and broccoli, then toss with cooked pasta, pasta water, and Parmigiano until well coated.
- Flavor & Texture: Savory and hearty with tender broccoli, flavorful sausage, and pasta coated in a light, cheesy sauce.
Why This Dish Is So Loved
This sausage broccoli pasta is a recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of savory sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it both hearty and balanced, with rich Italian flavors in every bite.
It’s the kind of dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve to guests. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s a reliable recipe that delivers big flavor every time.
Try my Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Broccoli and Italian Sheet Pan Sausage, Potatoes, and Tomatoes next.
Made With Amore,
“This pasta was so fresh and amazing. Follow the recipe exactly and you won’t be disappointed!”
– Camille
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful, comforting pasta dish with the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and cheesy elements.
- Pasta: The base of the dish, pasta provides the perfect texture to hold the sauce and combine all the flavors together.
- Italian Pork Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and heartiness, making the dish satisfying and full of bold Italian taste.
- Broccoli: Brings freshness, color, and a slightly crisp texture that balances the richness of the sausage.
- Parmigiano Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that ties all the ingredients together and creates a light, creamy coating on the pasta.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Sausage: You may use any variety of Italian ground sausage you like. I like the Italian ground sausage variety since it has a hint of fennel seeds that make it unique!
- Vegetarian: The ground sausage can be replaced with a plant-based variety to make this vegetarian, or leave it out!
- Switch the Veggies: Substitute the broccoli for asparagus or green peas. Try my Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus and Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas.
- Depth of Flavor: Add an extra depth of flavor by adding 1/4 of white wine after cooking the sausage.
How to Make Sausage Broccoli Pasta
This sausage broccoli pasta is a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal with tender pasta, savory sausage, and crisp broccoli, perfect for a family dinner any night of the week. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Heat a large sauté pan to medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Let cook for one minute to flavor the oil.
- Add Italian sausage.
- Break the sausage up as it begins to cook.
- Cook until browned.
- Meanwhile, heat a large pot of water. Once boiling, salt the water and add the pasta.
- Boil the pasta to al dente (according to package instructions).
- During the last three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture, and add to the skillet of cooked sausage.
- Stir in reserved pasta water and fresh lemon zest.
- Lastly, stir in the cheese until combined.
Sausage Broccoli Pasta FAQs
For this particular recipe, I use regular fresh broccoli and trim the ends and cut them into small pieces. This makes them cook faster and they are also easier to eat when prepared this way. You may also use: broccolini or broccoli rabe. They will require a slightly shorter cook time.
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just thaw it first and sauté it briefly with the garlic so it heats through and absorbs the flavors.
To store leftovers, make sure to use proper airtight containers for storage. Store in the fridge and consume after 2-3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This sausage broccoli pasta is a great main dish for a busy weeknight. If you want to make it extra special, add some Ciabatta Bread and a Goat Cheese Salad on the side. Don’t forget to end your meal with a sweet treat, like Simple Italian Apple Cake or Classic Italian Panna Cotta.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for your pasta. Read why HERE.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the noodles hold their shape when tossed with the sausage and broccoli.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This helps to thicken the sauce and add flavor.
- Forgot to Reserve Pasta Water? Heat up a cup of chicken broth or veggie broth and use that instead! It won’t have the starches from the pasta water, but it will do!
More Pasta Recipes
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Sausage Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta of choice
- 16 oz broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
- 1 cup grated parmigiano, plus more for serving
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup basil, torn by hand
Instructions
- Heat large saute pan to medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Let cook for one minute to flavor the oil. Add Italian sausage and break it up as it begins to cook. Cook until the sausage is browned. If the sausage releases a lot of fat you can remove some. Leave a little to create sauce!
- Meanwhile, heat a large pot of water (4 quarts) to boiling. Once boiling salt (2 tablespoons, or to taste) the water and then add the pasta—Cook the pasta to al dente (according to the package instructions).
- During the last three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli and add them to the skillet of cooked sausage. Stir in the reserved pasta water, fresh lemon zest, basil, and cheese, and toss to combine. Add more cheese before serving.
- Serve hot! Buon appetito!
Notes
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for your pasta. Read why HERE.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the noodles hold their shape when tossed with the sausage and broccoli.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This helps to thicken the sauce and add flavor.
- Forgot to Reserve Pasta Water? Heat up a cup of chicken broth or veggie broth and use that instead! It won’t have the starches from the pasta water, but it will do!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this last week for dinner. Really tasty and really easy recipe. My husband loved it and commented how tasty it was. I actually made it with a penne as I didn’t have orrichete pasta. It still turned our amazing. thanks for sharing I intend to make many more of your recipes. I’m based in Australia of Italian heritage so love all Italian food.
It is an easy recipe to make often with yummy flavors! I am happy you loved it. Keep me posted as you try more recipes! Stay connected and enjoy a taste of Italy in your home!
Hi, you mention 1 cup of grated cheese in the ingredients but don’t mention it again in the directions. I assumed to add it in with my pasta/sausage/broccoli but wanted to flag this with you! I love this recipe, it’s always a hit.
Yes! Thank you!
please send me the recipe so I can print out to try !
Please see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Thanks!
Delicious and easy! A great weeknight dinner.
Happy you loved it! It’s one we make often.