Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This pasta sausage broccoli recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, combines the best of Italian comfort food with a healthy dose of veggies, and is easily customizable to your liking. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Brown the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the broccoli and garlic: Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If using red pepper flakes, add them now.
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Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
- Use different sausage: Try chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh oregano and basil will elevate the flavor profile significantly if you have them on hand.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on sausage type and pasta)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy pasta sausage broccoli recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. It's a great example of quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish! It's a testament to the power of homemade cooking and one of the best recipes for a comforting yet healthy dinner. Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference and experiment with different vegetables to create your own unique variation.