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!
There’s something so cozy and satisfying about pasta with Italian sausage and broccoli—and I’ve made a version of this dish in almost every form over the years. Whether I’m whipping it up with leftover roasted veggies or sneaking in greens for my kiddo, it always hits the spot. The creamy mascarpone gives it that “fancy pasta night” feel with barely any effort, and orecchiette is one of those pastas that makes every bite feel intentional.
If you’re into quick, hearty dinners like Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup or Creamy Oven Baked Mac and Cheese, this one’s calling your name.
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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.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Orecchiette Pasta – These little “ears” are sauce magnets. They scoop up sausage and mascarpone like champs.
- Italian Sausage – Go mild for kid-friendliness or spicy for grown-up heat. Either way, it's your flavor anchor.
- Broccoli Florets – Tossed right into the pasta water—easy, fast, and perfectly tender-crisp.
- Mascarpone Cheese – The secret to that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth sauce without a fuss.
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: A lighter swap that still packs flavor.
- Spicy Sausage: If you enjoy a kick, opt for a spicier sausage like hot Italian sausage or even chorizo to add some heat.
- Plant-Based Sausage – Want to keep it meat-free? Use your favorite vegetarian or vegan sausage. Look for Italian-style versions with fennel or herbs to keep those classic flavors.
- No Mascarpone? – Use cream cheese, or blend heavy cream with a spoonful of Parmesan.
Want a veggie-packed pasta alternative? Try Sweet Potato Gnocchi or Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower.
🔪 How To Make Italian Sausage And Broccoli Pasta
Here’s how to make this delicious creamy broccoli sausage pasta dish:
- Step 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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!
💡Hint: Don’t overcook the broccoli—you want it bright green and just tender for the perfect bite.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor payoff—fresh links or butcher bulk sausage work beautifully.
- Let the mascarpone come to room temp before adding so it melts faster and more evenly.
- Serve immediately—this dish is best when the sauce is freshly melted and creamy.
💭 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.
You can! If you prefer roasted broccoli, toss it in olive oil and roast at 425°F for 15 minutes, then mix it in at the end.
Refrigerate in a sealed container for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy, cheesy pasta with:
- Pizza Garlic Bread – Because sauce deserves scooping.
- Roasted Beets – For a sweet, earthy contrast.
- Parmesan Roasted Zucchini – Adds crisp texture and complements the creamy sauce.
- Citrus Roasted Beets – Bright and zippy to balance richness.
- Simple Avocado Salad – Fresh, green, and light.
🍽 More Tasty Pasta Dishes
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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.
Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor—this Italian sausage and broccoli pasta is a weeknight winner! The mascarpone adds a luscious touch that takes it over the top.