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
- Sausage Preparation: Caramelize Italian sausage with diced onions in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until meat browns completely.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then transfer sausage mixture to a separate plate, preserving some rendered fat in the skillet.
- Liquid Foundation: Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, pasta, broccoli florets, and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet, creating a unified cooking base.
- 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.
- Ingredient Melding: Simmer contents for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring while maintaining consistent temperature and checking pasta and broccoli texture.
- Flavor Integration: Reincorporate reserved sausage and onion mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Final Seasoning: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the surface, seasoning with salt and black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
- 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