Sausage Broccoli Pasta
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This Sausage Broccoli Pasta combines tender broccoli, savory Italian sausage, al dente pasta, and Parmigiano Reggiano in a light, flavorful sauce made with reserved pasta water. Fresh lemon zest and red pepper flakes brighten the rich sausage and cheese, while the starchy pasta water helps everything cling to the pasta. Ready in about 20 minutes, this Italian-inspired pasta makes a flavorful meal with just a handful of ingredients.
You’ll love my Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Bake, Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, and Orecchiette with Italian Sausage.
Quick Look: Sausage Broccoli Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Dietary Info: Can be made Vegetarian and Gluten-Free
- Method: Stovetop
- Technique: Brown the sausage with garlic and red pepper flakes, cook the pasta and broccoli together, then toss everything with reserved pasta water, lemon zest, basil, and Parmigiano.
- Flavor/Texture: Savory, hearty, cheesy, fresh, lightly spicy
Why This Dish Is So Loved
I love this Sausage Broccoli Pasta because it brings together a few classic Italian flavors without needing a heavy sauce. The browned Italian sausage adds savory depth, while broccoli, lemon zest, fresh basil, and Parmigiano keep the pasta bright and flavorful. My favorite part is the way the reserved pasta water brings everything together, creating a light coating that clings to every bite. It’s a pasta dish I can make quickly when I want something hearty, flavorful, and comforting.
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
A few Italian-inspired ingredients come together to create a flavorful pasta with savory sausage, tender broccoli, and a light Parmigiano coating.
- 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 pasta comes together quickly by browning the sausage, cooking the broccoli with the pasta, and tossing everything together with pasta water, Parmigiano, lemon zest, and basil. 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
Italian pork sausage works especially well because its savory seasoning pairs naturally with broccoli, Parmigiano, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Use mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
Yes. Frozen broccoli can be used, but thaw it first and sauté it briefly with the garlic so it heats through without adding excess water to the finished pasta.
This pasta is best served right away, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2–3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry.
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
- Brown the sausage well to develop deeper savory flavor before combining it with the pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente so it keeps its texture when tossed with the hot sausage and broccoli.
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and distributes evenly throughout the pasta.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining so you can loosen the pasta and help the Parmigiano coat the ingredients.
- Add the Parmigiano at the end and toss everything together while hot so the cheese coats the pasta evenly.
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
- Brown the sausage well to develop deeper savory flavor before combining it with the pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente so it keeps its texture when tossed with the hot sausage and broccoli.
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and distributes evenly throughout the pasta.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining so you can loosen the pasta and help the Parmigiano coat the ingredients.
- Add the Parmigiano at the end and toss everything together while hot so the cheese coats the pasta evenly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This pasta was so fresh and amazing. Follow the recipe exactly and you won’t be disappointed!
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Happy you loved it 🙂
Made this tonight and it was an absolute hit. Thank you for posting your delicious recipe with easy to follow directions. I so look forward to more of your delicious recipes. Thank you for being so kind also!
Hi Steve! I’m happy you loved the recipe. There are many more waiting for you! Have a wonderful and delicious week!
This is delicious and hearty recipe! So easy to make with very little preparation. Yum!
Happy you loved it. It is a good meal for a busy weeknight, or any other time!
When do I add the 1 cup for f Parmesan???
Super easy to make and the entire family loved it. Thank you!
Quick, easy, but so flavorful! Perfect for a weeknight. Added a shallot in with the garlic just because I had it. I’m sure this will be a repeat. May try with brussels sprouts next time 🙂
It is an easy one to make often!
To much with the lemon zest. The pasta seems to be out proportion.
The lemon zest is a matter of preference. Feel free to add less. I weigh the pasta to measure and found the ration to sausage and broccoli with pasta was optimal. Feel free to add less next time. Enjoy!
Quick and easy. We used broccoli & cauliflower. Heated up leftovers the next day with a touch of cream. Delicious!
So happy you loved the recipe! It is an easy one to make and love.
A family favorite to make often!
A Recipe we make often! Yummm