Need a quick, flavor-packed dinner? This Italian Sausage & Broccoli Pasta is a one-pan wonder—savory sausage, crisp broccoli, and orecchiette pasta tossed in a creamy mascarpone sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, this sausage, broccoli and pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Comforting: Combines savory sausage with creamy mascarpone for a comforting meal.
- Healthy Balance: Packed with nutritious broccoli, this sausage pasta is both delicious and good for you.
🥘 Ingredients
- Orecchiette Pasta – The small, scoop-like shape catches all that creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Italian Sausage – The heart of the dish! Brings a bold, savory depth—choose mild for balance or spicy for extra heat.
- Broccoli Florets – A fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the rich pasta, plus it soaks up all the garlicky goodness.
- Mascarpone Cheese – Silky and creamy, it melts seamlessly into the pasta, creating a rich yet delicate sauce.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Experiment with different types of sausage to change the flavor profile of your broccoli pasta dish.
- Chicken Sausage: For a lighter option, use a chicken sausage and Italian herbs.
- Spicy Sausage: If you enjoy a kick, opt for a spicier sausage like hot Italian sausage or even chorizo to add some heat.
- Vegetarian Sausage: To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, substitute the meat with a plant-based sausage. Many brands offer Italian-flavored options that mimic the taste and texture of traditional sausage.
🔪 How To Make Italian Sausage And Broccoli Pasta
Here’s how to make this delicious creamy sausage and broccoli pasta:
Step One: Cook the orecchiette in boiling water for 9 minutes. While it cooks, brown the sausage in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add the diced shallot and sauté for 2 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes if desired.
Step Two: When the pasta has about 4 minutes left to cook, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Let them cook for 2 minutes. Using a strainer or ladle, transfer the broccoli from the pot to the pan with the sausage. Stir to mix well.
Step Three: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the mascarpone cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and coats the pasta evenly.
Step Four: Add the cheesy pasta to the pan with the sausage and broccoli. Mix everything together to distribute the flavors. Plate up the pasta and enjoy your meal!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Quality Sausage Matters – Use fresh, well-seasoned Italian sausage for maximum flavor.
- Room-Temp Cheese – Let mascarpone soften before adding—it melts more smoothly into the pasta.
- Serve Fresh – This dish is best right away when the sauce is at peak creaminess.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the orecchiette with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the packaging for cooking times as they may vary.
If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, a mix of heavy cream and a little extra Parmesan can also work well to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Yes, you can prepare this pasta ahead of time. Cook everything as directed, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
To store sausage and broccoli pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best sides to serve with Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce with Parmesan:
- Garlic Bread – Because every creamy pasta needs something to scoop up the extra sauce!
- Roasted Beets – A bright, tangy contrast to balance out the rich, savory pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Parmesan Roasted Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus or Citrus Roasted Beets bring even more depth to your
🍽 Related Recipes
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Italian Sausage And Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups Orecchiette Pasta
- 16 oz Mild Italian Sausage
- 3 cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 Shallot diced (about ¼ cup)
- ½ tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 8 oz Mascarpone Cheese
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional depending on heat preference
Instructions
- Cook the orecchiette in a pot of boiling water. Set a timer for 9 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, brown the sausage in a pan over medium heat, which should take about 3-4 minutes
- To the sausage, add the diced shallot and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using.
- When the pasta has about 4 minutes left to cook, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Let them cook for 2 minutes.
- Using a strainer or ladle, transfer the broccoli from the pot to the pan with the sausage. Stir to mix well.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the mascarpone cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and coats the pasta evenly.
- Add the cheesy pasta to the pan with the sausage and broccoli. Mix everything together to distribute the flavors.
