Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta: A Quick & Delicious Family Meal

This Italian sausage and broccoli pasta is a hearty, satisfying dinner that you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s a great quick family dinner for any busy weeknight. The combination of savory sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will delight the whole family. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to suit your preferences.

There’s something magical about bringing the family together around a delicious and hearty meal. But pasta night doesn’t always have to include rich sauces that simmer on the stove for hours. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.

While creamy pasta recipes like Creamy Lobster Ravioli Sauce and Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce are undeniably delicious, there’s a certain charm in simple pastas with oil-based sauces. These sauces lightly coat the pasta, providing a thin yet incredibly flavorful layer that enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.

This Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a perfect example of a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of taste and nutrition. This satisfying pasta is perfect for family dinners any night of the week! It’s a recipe that celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients and quick preparation, making it a go-to option for busy individuals and families alike.

Why This Recipe Works: A Perfect Weeknight Dinner

This is a classic Italian pasta dish that I think you and the whole family will love. Its simplicity and versatility make it a winner in any kitchen.

1. Fast: One of the best things about this pasta recipe is how quick it is. You can have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
2. Versatile: One of the great things about this easy recipe is its versatility. You can use different types of Italian sausage – mild or spicy – based on your family’s taste preferences. The inclusion of broccoli not only adds a nutritional boost but also a delightful crunch, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables as well, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
3. Family-Friendly: This recipe is designed to be family-friendly, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. The flavors are approachable, and the texture is appealing to both kids and adults. It’s a great way to introduce children to new vegetables and flavors in a familiar and comforting format.
4. Nutrient-Packed: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Incorporating it into this pasta dish ensures that your family gets a dose of essential nutrients in a delicious and enjoyable way. It’s a win-win for both parents and kids! Additionally, Italian sausage provides a good source of protein, contributing to a well-balanced meal.

Key Ingredients for Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

• Italian Sausage: My recipe calls for mild Italian sausage, but you can use spicy Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage. In a pinch you could use sweet Italian sausage, but it will have a different flavor profile. Choose a high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
• Pasta: The recipe calls for ziti pasta, but you can use orecchiette pasta, penne pasta, rigatoni, fusilli. Choose a pasta shape that will hold the sausage and broccoli. The ridges and shapes of these pastas help to capture the flavorful sauce, ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
• Broccoli: Chop up fresh broccoli (or broccoli rabe) into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. You can include chopped broccoli stems to avoid waste. Fresh broccoli provides the best flavor and texture, but frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil. You can also drizzle some olive oil over the finished dish just before serving. Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish and helps to create a silky sauce.
• White Wine: Choose a white wine you enjoy drinking, such as a Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. You can substitute chicken broth, veggie broth, or water for the wine. The acidity of the white wine balances the richness of the sausage and adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: Feel free to use more or less minced garlic, depending on your taste preference. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
• Lemon Zest: Use a microplane to zest a lemon. This adds a nice bright flavor and acidity to the dish. The citrusy notes of lemon zest complement the other flavors and brighten the overall taste of the pasta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A small amount of red pepper flakes adds a little kick to the pasta. If you don’t want a spicy sausage pasta, you can use less than what the recipe calls for. You can also omit this ingredient completely if you want no spice at all.
• Basil: Use thinly sliced or chopped fresh basil leaves. Fresh basil adds a fragrant and herbaceous note to the dish. If fresh basil is not available, dried basil can be used as a substitute.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the dish with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavors of the ingredients and creating a well-balanced dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking the Perfect Pasta Dish

You’ll find the full list of ingredients and detailed cooking instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are step-by-step photos with a quick summary to show you how to make this Italian sausage and broccoli pasta.

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of hot starchy pasta water for the sauce.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the Italian sausage and break up with a wooden spoon or meat chopper, stirring regularly.

4. Once the sausage is just browned (about 4-5 minutes), add the garlic. Stir and sauté all together for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is softened.
5. Add in the broccoli and red pepper flakes, and stir.

6. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the white wine.
7. When the pasta is done cooking, add 1 cup of the pasta water to the sauce in the skillet with the meat and vegetables.
8. Drain pasta and add the pasta.

9. Add the lemon zest, and basil to the skillet. Toss the pasta to coat with the sauce and to evenly distribute the flavors. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Drizzle with additional olive oil just before serving.

Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or for a dairy-free umami nutty flavor, sprinkle in nutritional yeast.

Cooking Tips and Recipe FAQs

Cooking Tips:

• This makes a thin olive oil sauce that just lightly coats the pasta. If you want a thicker, creamy sauce, you can add heavy cream and/or butter after allowing the wine to cook in the skillet. Adding a touch of cream cheese can also create a richer, more decadent sauce.
• Chop the broccoli into small, evenly sized pieces so that they cook up evenly. This ensures that the broccoli is tender and cooks through in the same amount of time as the sausage and pasta.
• You can add almost any of your favorite herbs to this pasta. We add basil, but you can add fresh mint, oregano, tarragon, rosemary, or parsley. Experiment with different herbs to create your own signature flavor combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using ziti, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. The Italian sausage and broccoli cooks beautifully with orechiette, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the hearty sausage and broccoli.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and broccoli slightly al dente. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss everything together. This dish also freezes well for future quick and delicious family dinners.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days.

What’s the best way to reheat pasta?

To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent the pasta from drying out, and warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.

Serving Ideas: Complete Your Meal

Make a full meal with this sausage broccoli pasta dish by serving it with one or two of these delectable side dishes:

• Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread – A quick and easy way to add some garlicky goodness to your meal.
• Asian Carrot Cucumber Salad – A refreshing and light salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
• Instant Pot Green Beans – A simple and healthy side dish that cooks up in minutes.

Looking for some delicious desserts to serve with this hearty pasta? Try one of these easy dessert recipes:

• Dairy-Free Tiramisu – A classic Italian dessert with a creamy and rich flavor.
• Air Fryer Apple Crisp – A warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall.
• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – A decadent and easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Air Fryer Peaches – A simple and delicious dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of peaches.

Wine Pairings: Enhance Your Dining Experience

Pairing the right wine with your Italian Sausage Pasta with Broccoli can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer white wine, pair this pasta dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the sausage and add a zesty element to the meal.
2. Pinot Noir: Light-bodied Pinot Noir pairs well with the savory sausage. It allows the bright acidity to cut through the richness of the dish. The earthy notes of Pinot Noir complement the flavors of the broccoli and sausage, creating a harmonious pairing.
3. Chianti Classico: Yes, you can pair a lighter pasta sauce with a rich red wine! The robust flavors of Chianti Classico complement the richness of the Italian sausage and the earthiness of the broccoli. The high acidity of Chianti Classico helps to balance the richness of the dish and cleanse the palate between bites.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment: Get Ready to Cook

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:

• Large pot: You’ll need a large pot to cook the pasta in. A stockpot with a capacity of at least 6 quarts is ideal for ensuring that the pasta has enough room to cook evenly.
• Large skillet: I love making this dish in an enameled cast iron skillet. A large skillet with a diameter of at least 12 inches will provide ample space for cooking the sausage, broccoli, and pasta sauce.
• Meat chopper: I like to use this meat chopper to quickly break up ground meat while cooking in the skillet. A meat chopper with a sturdy handle and sharp blades will make it easy to break up the sausage into small, even pieces.
• Wooden spoon: Use a wooden spoon to stir together the ingredients. A wooden spoon is a versatile tool that can be used for stirring, mixing, and sautéing.
• Microplane grater: Use a microplane zester and grater to zest the lemon. A microplane grater is ideal for creating fine lemon zest without grating the bitter white pith.
• Handheld juicer: This is my favorite handheld citrus juicer to juice lemons. A handheld juicer makes it easy to extract the juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.

More Pasta Recipes: Expand Your Culinary Horizons

Explore Other Delicious Pasta Dishes

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

Recipe Card

Italian Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

A quick and easy pasta dish with Italian sausage, broccoli, and a light olive oil sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (ziti, penne, orrechiette, or rigatoni)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage, bulk (removed from casings)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ pound chopped broccoli florets (about 2-3 cups)
• ⅕ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ Tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon thinly sliced basil leaves
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (optional), for serving

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Toward the end of cooking time, reserve 1 cup of hot starchy pasta water for the sauce.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break up with a wooden spoon or meat chopper, stirring regularly.
3. Once the sausage is just browned (about 4-5 minutes), add the garlic. Stir and sauté all together for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is softened.
4. Add in the broccoli and red pepper flakes, and stir.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the white wine. Cook at medium heat, stirring regularly, until the wine is absorbed. This can take anywhere from 1-3 minutes.
6. When the pasta is done cooking, add 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to the sauce in the skillet with the meat and vegetables.
7. Drain the pasta and add the pasta, lemon zest, and basil to the skillet. Toss the pasta to coat with the sauce and to evenly distribute the flavors.
8. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Drizzle with additional olive oil just before serving.
9. Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or for a dairy-free umami nutty flavor, sprinkle in nutritional yeast.

Notes

• This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
• This makes a very thin sauce that lightly coats the pasta, sausage, and broccoli. You can drizzle more olive oil before serving then toss to coat. If you want a thicker sauce, try adding either a half cup to one cup of heavy cream after heating the white wine if you want a creamy sauce. Or, add a quarter cup (4 tablespoons) of butter to the pasta if you want a buttery sauce.
• For storage, allow the pasta to cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
• As a substitution, you can substitute chicken broth for the white wine.

Nutrition Information

(approximate per serving):

• Calories: 818kcal
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 44g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 86mg
• Sodium: 1147mg
• Potassium: 691mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 385IU
• Vitamin C: 55mg
• Calcium: 74mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.