Italian Sausage And Broccoli Pasta

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea that the whole family will love? This Italian Sausage And Broccoli Pasta is a perfect choice! It’s a one-pan wonder, combining savory sausage, crisp broccoli, and tender orecchiette pasta in a creamy mascarpone sauce. Packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes, this Broccoli And Pasta Recipe is the ideal meal for busy nights.

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli And Pasta Recipe

Here are three reasons why you’ll love this broccoli and pasta recipe:

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 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.

Broccoli And Italian Sausage Pasta Ingredients

Orecchiette Pasta: Small and scoop-like, perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce and ingredients.
Mild Italian Sausage: Brings a rich and savory meatiness to the dish. Opt for hot sausage if you prefer a spicy kick.
Broccoli Florets: Provide a vibrant green and crunchy contrast, boosting the nutritional value.
Shallot: Delivers a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
Minced Garlic: Essential for that deep, aromatic flavor typical of Italian dishes.
Mascarpone Cheese: Adds a luxurious creaminess, melting smoothly into the pasta.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty kick that enriches the flavor profile.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for adding a spicy edge to balance the dish’s creamy elements.

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!

Tips For Making This Broccoli Sausage Pasta

Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use either mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference.
Cheese at Room Temperature: Allow the mascarpone cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to the pasta. This helps it melt more smoothly into the sauce.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it as soon as it’s mixed together to enjoy the creaminess of the mascarpone and the freshness of the broccoli and pasta.

Recipe Variations

Italian Sausage and Broccolini Pasta: Swap out the broccoli florets for broccolini for a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor. Broccolini, with its tender stems, cooks quickly and adds an elegant touch to the dish.
Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta: For a bolder, more bitter flavor, use broccoli rabe instead of traditional broccoli. Broccoli rabe pairs wonderfully with the richness of Italian sausage, balancing the dish with its robust taste.

Different Types Of Sausage To Try

Experiment with different types of sausage to change the flavor profile of your broccoli pasta dish.

Chicken Sausage And Broccoli Pasta: For a lighter option, use a chicken sausage and Italian herbs.
Spicy Sausage And Broccoli Pasta: If you enjoy a kick, opt for a spicier sausage like hot Italian sausage or even chorizo to add some heat.
Vegetarian Sausage And Broccoli Pasta: 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 Store Sausage And Broccoli Pasta?

Fridge: To store sausage and broccoli pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

What To Serve With This Broccoli And Sausage Pasta Recipe?

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adds a nice crunch to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Additional roasted vegetables like bell peppers, Zucchini, or Citrus Roasted Beets can add color and a variety of textures to the meal.
Roasted Beet Salad: A beet salad, perhaps with some goat cheese and nuts, offers a sweet and earthy contrast that complements the savory flavors of the pasta.

FAQ’S

Can I Make this Pasta Gluten Free?

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.

What Can I Use Instead Of Mascarpone Cheese?

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.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?

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.