Pasta With Sausuage and Broccoli
This Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli recipe is quick, easy, and flavorful – perfect for those nights when you want a homecooked meal without much effort. This is one the whole family will love!
This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission if you click and purchase something. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
This dish brings together the best of comfort food – pasta, sausage, and a creamy sauce – with a pop of green from the broccoli. It’s a one-pan wonder that’ll have dinner on the table in just 15 minutes. Yep, you read that right – 15 minutes from start to finish!
What I love about this pasta recipe is how it manages to be both satisfying and not too heavy. The orecchiette pasta catches little pools of the creamy sauce, the sausage adds a savory kick, and the broccoli brings a fresh crunch. It’s a balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
This pasta dish is also great for picky eaters. Kids tend to love the mild Italian sausage and the fun shape of the pasta. If you’ve got a broccoli-hater in the family, you might be surprised – even veggie skeptics enjoy it in this dish!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The sausage pasta reheats beautifully for lunch the next day. Just add a splash of water when you warm it up to keep the sauce creamy.
If you’re into meal prepping, this recipe is a game-changer. You can easily double it and have dinners sorted for half the week.
For more recipes with sausage, try our Rotel Sausage Dip, Sausage Spinach & Feta Fritatta, and Sausage Star Appetizers!
How to Make Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli
Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Ingredients
- Orecchiette pasta: I love this kind of pasta for holding the sauce, but any pasta shape will do.
- Italian sausage: I use mild Italian sausage, but feel free to spice it up with hot Italian sausage if you’re a spice lover!
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen works in a pinch.
- Shallot and garlic: For that aromatic base.
- Mascarpone cheese: This is the secret to the creamy sauce. Can’t find it? Cream cheese works too.
- Parmesan cheese: Because pasta always needs a bit of parm.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but great if you like a bit of heat.
Kitchen Essentials Needed
Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook the broccoli – you want it tender-crisp, not super soft.
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash to loosen it up.
- Feel free to swap the veggies. Bell peppers or asparagus would be great, too.
- Grate your own Parmesan if you can – it melts better than the pre-grated stuff.
- For extra flavor, try adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or some lemon zest.
- No mascarpone? Mix some heavy cream with softened cream cheese for a similar effect.
- Pair your Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
- Easy Pepperoni Pasta Salad
- The Best Pasta Carbonara
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
- Garden Fresh Pasta Puttanesca
- One-Pot Zesty Pasta Primavera
This Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli is my go-to when I need a quick, satisfying dinner. It’s saved me on countless busy weeknights, and it’s always a hit when I have last-minute dinner guests. It’s simple, delicious, and might just become your new weeknight staple.
Pasta With Sausage and Broccoli
This Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor - perfect for those nights when you want a homecooked meal without a lot of effort. This is one the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups orecchiette pasta
- 16 oz mild Italian sausage
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 shallot, diced (about ¼ cup)
- ½ Tbsp minced garlic
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional depending on heat preference)
Instructions
- Place orecchiette in a pot of boiling water and begin to cook for 9 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place sausage in a pan on medium heat and cook until browned. (About 3 - 4 minutes) Add in diced shallot, saute for about 2 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
- When the pasta has 4 minutes remaining to boil add in the broccoli florets. Allow to cook for 2 minutes.
- With a strainer or ladle, remove the broccoli and place directly into the pan with the sausage. Mix to combine.
- When the pasta is done cooking, drain and add mascarpone cheese directly into the pot with the pasta. Mix until the cheese has fully melted.
- Add pasta into the pan with the sausage and broccoli, mix to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!