A delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the fresh crunch of broccoli, enveloped in comforting pasta. This one-pot meal is nutritious and perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked pasta to the pot with the sausage and broccoli. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
