Dreamy Sausage, Broccoli, And Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Silky Sausage, Broccoli & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Pasta nights just got a delicious upgrade with this mouthwatering creamy sausage broccoli and sun-dried tomato pasta that combines bold flavors in every single bite.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender pasta noodles with savory sausage pieces scattered throughout the dish.

Broccoli adds a perfect green crunch while sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy brightness that cuts through the creamy richness.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance together effortlessly.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals.

Saucy, satisfying, and packed with robust ingredients, this pasta will become your new go-to comfort food that everyone at the table will adore.

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that turns ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prep Tool Needed for Creamy Sausage, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning sausage and cooking the entire dish.
  • Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing meat while draining excess fat.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Cheese grater: Use to freshly grate Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
  • Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
  • Lid: Covers skillet during simmering to trap steam and cook pasta evenly.

How You’ll Cook Creamy Sausage, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

  • Sausage Foundation

Brown sausage with onions in a large skillet, releasing rich flavors and creating a savory base. Add garlic for an aromatic punch, creating depth in the initial cooking stage.

  • Liquid Symphony

Pour chicken broth and cream into the skillet, transforming the pan into a bubbling culinary canvas. Introduce pasta, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing ingredients to dance and meld together.

  • Gentle Simmering

Cover and let the mixture bubble softly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Watch as pasta absorbs the creamy liquid and transforms into a tender delight.

  • Cheese Finale

Reunite the sausage with the pasta mixture, sprinkling Parmesan to create a luxurious, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper, awakening the dish’s complex flavor profile.

  • Fresh Flourish

Scatter fresh basil across the top, adding a vibrant green accent and bright herbaceous note. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to dive into this comforting one-pan wonder.

Make It Better: Creamy Sausage, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Tweaks & Ideas

  • Toss in additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful meal.
  • Replace Parmesan with Romano, asiago, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist on the original recipe's creamy texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

Best Ways to Plate Creamy Sausage, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic Italian or French baguette to soak up the creamy sauce, adding delightful texture and making each bite more satisfying.
  • Create a Colorful Side Salad: Toss together a fresh green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta dish.
  • Top with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top for cheese lovers who want an extra flavor punch and creamy finish.
  • Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the sausage.

Keep It Fresh: Creamy Sausage, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish separate from garnishes like fresh basil to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Package the pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy consistency.
  • Prep Ahead Strategies: Chop broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes in advance, storing them in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Brown the sausage and onions earlier in the day to streamline final meal preparation, saving time during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 644 kcal

Servings: 5

Start With These for Creamy Sausage, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

For The Protein Base:
  • Sausage: Brings robust, savory flavor and hearty texture to the dish, choose Italian-style or spicy varieties for extra zest.
  • Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the sausage, select fresh yellow or white onions for best results.
  • Garlic: Adds deep, pungent undertones that elevate the overall taste, opt for fresh cloves for maximum flavor intensity.
For The Creamy Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that helps tenderize pasta and infuse depth, select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious richness and smooth consistency, ensure it's fresh and cold for optimal blending.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce, choose freshly grated for superior melting quality.
For The Texture and Freshness Boosters:
  • Broccoli: Introduces vibrant green color and nutritional boost, select crisp, bright green florets for maximum crunch.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides tangy, concentrated sweetness and interesting texture, look for plump, deep red varieties.
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty base of the dish, choose short shapes like penne or fusilli that capture sauce well.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers bright, aromatic finish and beautiful garnish, select bright green leaves with no wilting.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper if possible.
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Dreamy Sausage, Broccoli, And Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Sausage, Broccoli, And Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade creamy sausage, broccoli, and sun-dried tomato pasta brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, satisfying flavors. Hearty ingredients combine for a quick weeknight meal that promises delicious satisfaction for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb (0.23 kg) Italian sausage (hot or mild)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 ½ cups small broccoli florets
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups uncooked small pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • Basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sausage Preparation: Caramelize Italian sausage with diced onions in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until meat browns completely.
  2. Aromatic Enhancement: Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then transfer sausage mixture to a separate plate, preserving some rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Liquid Foundation: Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, pasta, broccoli florets, and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet, creating a unified cooking base.
  4. Controlled Cooking: Bring mixture to a robust boil, immediately reduce heat to low, and cover with a tight lid to generate a gentle steaming environment.
  5. Ingredient Melding: Simmer contents for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring while maintaining consistent temperature and checking pasta and broccoli texture.
  6. Flavor Integration: Reincorporate reserved sausage and onion mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
  7. Final Seasoning: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the surface, seasoning with salt and black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
  8. Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, ensuring the dish remains piping hot when served, creating a visually appealing and aromatic culinary experience.

Notes

  • Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown meat thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized flavors and create a rich foundation for the entire dish.
  • Control Liquid Levels: Monitor moisture during cooking, adding extra broth or water gradually to prevent pasta from becoming dry or sticky.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan off direct heat to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy texture throughout the pasta.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and maximize aromatic impact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 644
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 575 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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