Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

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Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large pot
• Colander
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 12 ounces pasta penne or fusilli works well
• 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, based on preference
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Method
• Cook the Pasta:
• In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
• Tip: If using fresh broccoli, add it to the boiling pasta during the last 3 minutes of cooking. If using frozen, add it during the last 4-5 minutes.
• Prepare the Sausage:
• While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Sauté the Garlic:
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
• Combine Everything:
• Once the pasta and broccoli are done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest using a colander.
• Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sausage. Toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season and Serve:
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
• Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Cheesy Twist: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese when combining everything.

Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia is a delightful Italian dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of broccoli with the savory richness of sausage. This meal is not only comforting but also straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. From my own personal experience, this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I want something delicious yet easy to whip up.

Let me show you how I make Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia, a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Notes on What to Expect

When you make Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia, you can expect a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of sausage and broccoli creates a lovely balance of taste and texture, and the garlic adds a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 0 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-$12 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish
• Equipment Needed:
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia  here.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia  here.

Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
   • Tip: If using fresh broccoli, add it to the boiling pasta during the last 3 minutes of cooking. If using frozen, add it during the last 4-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sausage:
   • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
   • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Once the pasta and broccoli are done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest using a colander.
   • Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sausage. Toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Season and Serve:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Cheesy Twist: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese when combining everything.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia  here.

Tips

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Make Ahead: You can cook the sausage and prepare the broccoli in advance, then combine with the pasta when ready to serve.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Low Carb: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: ~500
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~60g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~5g

I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Broccoli e Salsiccia seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!