Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a comforting dish that perfectly balances savory sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy pasta, you have to try this Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It combines rich, flavorful sausage with fresh broccoli and a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. This recipe is approachable yet impressive, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special. From its vibrant colors to the inviting aroma, every element of this dish sings with delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using simple yet essential ingredients, this Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe creates layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy half and half enriching the sauce or the fresh broccoli adding a pop of green crunch.

• ¾ cup half and half: Adds creamy richness without being too heavy.
• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth: Introduces savory depth and balances the creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Provides a subtle kick to brighten the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Enhances complexity with a slight tang.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Lends umami and subtle saltiness.
• ½ teaspoon EACH onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley: A blend of herbs and spices for aromatic layers.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt: Elevates the flavor with garlicky warmth.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil: Essential for browning the sausage and starting the dish.
• 1 lb. ground sausage (hot, sweet, or mild): The star protein that brings savory and spice.
• ½ cup dry white wine: Used to deglaze and add fruity depth to the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a silky base with the flour for the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts bold, fragrant flavor.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese (optional but recommended): Adds creamy tang and smooth texture.
• ¾ cup parmesan cheese (grated): Brings savory saltiness and richness.
• ½ pound medium shell pasta: Holds onto the sauce with every scoop.
• 3 cups broccoli (fresh or frozen): Adds freshness, color, and nutrition.
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: A bright touch that balances the richness.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional heat for those who like a little extra spice.
• Freshly cracked pepper: Finishing seasoning that enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

Start by combining the half and half, chicken broth, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic salt in a large measuring cup with a spout. This makes it easy to add in gradually later. Set it aside and measure all your other ingredients so you have everything ready to go—this keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground sausage. Cook and crumble it well, giving it about 7 minutes to brown and develop that irresistible savory flavor. Once cooked through, remove the sausage and set it aside. Don’t pour away the flavorful drippings! You can keep them to replace butter in the sauce later, adding even more depth to your dish.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli

While you’re working on the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Add broccoli during the last few minutes of pasta cooking—fresh broccoli needs 3 to 5 minutes, frozen takes 2 to 4 minutes. Once both are tender but still have a bit of bite, drain them well and set aside.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan with Wine

Place the skillet back on medium heat and add the white wine to deglaze it, scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula to lift all those brown bits left behind by the sausage. These bits carry tons of flavor, and simmer until the wine reduces by half, about 4 minutes. This step adds brightness and complexity to your sauce.

Step 5: Make the Roux and Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Then melt the butter in the skillet and sprinkle in the flour gradually, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste and develop a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce just right.

Step 6: Add the Sauce Base

Slowly pour in the prepared sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously to maintain the perfect thickness. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat to simmer gently.

Step 7: Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to melt it fully into the sauce. Cover the skillet partially to keep the sauce warm while you finish up the pasta and broccoli.

Step 8: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sausage into the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat everything through. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice for that final bright note. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and your pasta is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan always elevates this dish, giving it a salty, nutty finish. Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a gorgeous green pop and a hit of fresh flavor. For those who like a little more heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes scattered on top is just perfect.

Side Dishes

This Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple sauté of spinach can add more veggies without overpowering the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the pasta nestled in wide shallow bowls adorned with a lemon wedge on the side. You can also plate it family-style in a large serving dish for everyone to help themselves, making mealtime feel warm and communal. For a fun twist, try stuffing the pasta and sausage mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent meal for the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce.

Freezing

You can freeze this Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe if needed. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! Hot, sweet, or mild sausage all work wonderfully, depending on your flavor preference. Each will slightly change the spice level, but all bring great savory goodness to the dish.

Is it necessary to add wine in the recipe?

While the dry white wine adds lovely depth and helps deglaze the pan, you can substitute with extra chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol. The sauce will still be deliciously flavorful.

Can I make this pasta recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Just be sure to check that your broth and sausage are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is optional but recommended for the creamy tang it adds. If you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or use a splash of heavy cream or a little extra Parmesan cheese instead.

Can I use frozen broccoli, and how does it affect cooking?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well and is very convenient. When cooking pasta, add frozen broccoli a bit later than fresh to avoid overcooking—typically 2 to 4 minutes before draining instead of 3 to 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a wonderful weeknight winner that feels both comforting and a little indulgent. It’s packed with vibrant flavors, easy steps, and wholesome ingredients that come together in a hearty meal you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to dishes!

Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 68 reviews

• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This hearty Sausage and Broccoli Pasta recipe combines savory ground sausage with tender broccoli florets in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from half and half, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of white wine. The sauce is enriched with garlic, butter, cream cheese, and seasonings to create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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Ingredients

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Sauce Base

• ¾ cup half and half
• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon parsley
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt

Meat and Wine

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lb. ground sausage (hot, sweet, or mild)
• ½ cup dry white wine

Roux and Flavorings

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese (optional but recommended)
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Pasta and Vegetables

• ½ pound medium shell pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Finishing Touches

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce Ingredients: Combine half and half, chicken broth, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic salt in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside. Measure all other ingredients before starting the cooking process.
2. Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground sausage and cook, breaking it up and stirring, until fully cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside. Turn off heat. You can reserve the sausage drippings to use instead of butter later.
3. Boil Pasta Water: While continuing with the sauce, bring a separate large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
4. Deglaze Skillet: Add the dry white wine to the skillet used for the sausage. Set heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the wine until it reduces by half, approximately 4 minutes.
5. Add Garlic and Make Roux: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Melt butter in the skillet and gradually sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously to combine. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.
6. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Add the pasta to the boiling salted water and set a timer according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking if fresh, or 2-4 minutes if frozen. Drain pasta and broccoli together once cooked.
7. Add Sauce Mixture: Slowly add the prepared sauce mixture from the measuring cup to the skillet in small splashes, stirring continuously to maintain sauce thickness. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
8. Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in the cream cheese until combined. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. Partially cover the skillet to keep warm until pasta is ready.
9. Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat everything through evenly.
10. Finish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Notes

• You can choose hot, sweet, or mild sausage depending on your spice preference.
• Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce; you can substitute chicken broth if you prefer no alcohol.
• Medium shell pasta holds the sauce well, but other shapes like penne or rotini can also be used.
• Fresh or frozen broccoli both work; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Using sausage drippings instead of butter for the roux adds extra flavor.
• The cream cheese is optional but adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.