30-Minute Sausage Broccoli Pasta
A hearty, flavorful pasta dish made with Italian sausage, tender broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick skillet dinner is rich in protein, fiber-packed, and full of comforting Italian flavors—perfect for busy weeknights or an easy family meal.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (for sausage and broccoli)
- 1 cutting board (for chopping broccoli and garlic)
- 1 sharp knife (for cutting broccoli and mincing garlic)
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- 1 box grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- 1 measuring cup (for pasta water)
Ingredients
- 8 oz ½ lb pasta shells
- 1 lb broccoli cut into small florets (about 3 small heads or 4 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp for pasta water, ½ tsp for broccoli mixture
- ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough space at the top so it doesn’t overflow once the pasta is added. Place it over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to season the water. This step ensures your pasta cooks evenly and absorbs flavor right from the start.
- Cook the Pasta Until Tender: Add the pasta shells to the boiling water and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is just al dente (firm but cooked through). Before draining, carefully scoop out ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water using a heatproof measuring cup. This liquid will be used later to bind the sauce. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Chop and Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, prepare the other components. Cut the broccoli into small bite-sized florets, making sure they are fairly uniform so they cook at the same rate. Mince the garlic cloves into very fine pieces to help them release flavor quickly in the pan. Grate the Parmesan cheese and keep a little extra aside for topping later. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smoother and stress-free.
- Heat Oil and Bloom Flavors: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and just lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This step builds the aromatic base of the dish.
- Brown the Italian Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula into bite-sized crumbles. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains. As it cooks, the sausage will release flavorful oils that blend beautifully with the garlic and chili flakes, creating a savory foundation for the pasta.
- Steam and Soften the Broccoli: Once the sausage is cooked, add the broccoli florets directly to the skillet along with the reserved ¼ cup of pasta water. Sprinkle in the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover the skillet loosely with a lid (or use a sheet of foil if you don’t have one) and let the broccoli steam for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The steam will help soften the broccoli while keeping its bright green color and fresh flavor.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce Mixture: Add the drained pasta shells into the skillet with the sausage and broccoli mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so the pasta absorbs the savory juices and the sausage and broccoli are evenly distributed throughout. If the mixture seems a little dry, splash in an extra tablespoon or two of hot water or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and blends with the pasta water, creating a light, creamy coating that clings to each shell. This step not only adds richness but also balances the spice of the red pepper flakes with a nutty, salty flavor.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust if necessary. If you prefer more heat, add a small pinch of extra chili flakes. For added richness, stir in a drizzle of extra olive oil. If the flavor needs a lift, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the whole dish beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Transfer the sausage broccoli pasta to individual serving bowls or a large platter. Top generously with more grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, protein-packed pasta that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce that binds everything together.
- Chop broccoli florets evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
- Mild Italian sausage works well for families, but spicy sausage can be used for extra heat.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored and reheated with good results.
