Description
Creamy sausage, broccoli, and sun-dried tomato pasta delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across Italian-inspired comfort. Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- ½ pound (0.23 kilograms) Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables:
- 2 ½ cups small broccoli florets
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked small pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Garnish:
- Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Render the Italian sausage and diced onions in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame, cooking until the meat caramelizes and loses its raw pink appearance.
- Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 30 seconds to release aromatic oils, then transfer the protein mixture to a separate plate using a slotted utensil while reserving about of rendered fat.
- Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, pasta, broccoli florets, and sun-dried tomatoes into the same skillet, creating a harmonious liquid base.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering with a tight-fitting lid to create a gentle steaming environment.
- Simmer the ingredients for 7-9 minutes, periodically stirring and quickly replacing the lid to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Assess pasta tenderness and broccoli texture, adding additional liquid (water or broth) if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Reintegrate the reserved sausage and onion mixture into the skillet, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the surface, seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Warm the dish thoroughly, ensuring cheese melts and ingredients meld together seamlessly.
- Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant garnish and aromatic elevation, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Versatile One-Pot Wonder: This creamy pasta dish combines hearty sausage, tender broccoli, and rich sun-dried tomatoes in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
- Liquid Adjustment Tip: Keep extra chicken broth nearby to prevent pasta from sticking or becoming too dry during the simmering process.
- Broccoli Texture Control: Add broccoli midway through cooking to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant green color, preventing overcooking.
- Cheese Melting Secret: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese last and stir quickly to ensure smooth, even melting without creating clumpy spots.
- Flexible Ingredient Swaps: Easily substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken, and swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or asparagus.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg