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This pasta with sausage and broccoli is super cozy and packed with taste. It blends savory sausage and crisp broccoli in a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s rich but still light. There’s just enough spice to keep it exciting without overdoing it.
I whipped this up for family when time was tight and it quickly became a regular since everyone enjoyed how well the flavors came together without a long cook time.
Needed Ingredients
- ¼ pound medium shell pasta: great for holding onto the sauce, pick a quality dry kind
- 3 cloves garlic minced: brings fresh fragrant notes, choose firm ones
- ½ cup dry white wine: something like Sauvignon Blanc gives it a nice tang and depth
- 1¼ cups chicken broth: low sodium is handy to control saltiness, adds savory flavor
- 1 pound ground sausage: Italian sausage works best for true flavor
- 1 cup half and half: makes it creamy without being heavy, freshest is best
- Butter: adds richness when melted into the sauce, unsalted gives you more control
- Dijon mustard: a smooth kind brings a little tang that wakes up the sauce
- Softened cream cheese: gives the sauce a velvety smooth feel and slight tang
- Garlic salt: deepens the savory taste, can swap with garlic plus plain salt if you like
- Red pepper flakes and fresh cracked pepper: add spice and seasoning to your taste
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice: adds a fresh kick at the end
- Olive oil: for browning the sausage, extra virgin brings extra flavor
- Oregano, basil, parsley: dried or fresh, these herbs boost freshness and earthiness
- Soy sauce: adds umami richness, a good light soy style works well
- Onion powder: subtle sweetness that plays well with sausage, freshness makes a difference
- Flour: thickens the sauce, all-purpose works fine
- 3 cups broccoli: fresh green with no spots, adds crunch and freshness
- Hot sauce: mild heat, tweak to how spicy you want it
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts best and adds nuttiness
Step-By-Step Cooking
I really love how the fresh broccoli adds a crisp punch to the creamy sauce. I served this at a weekend family get-together and everyone loved how the sauce hugged every pasta shell, even the kids who don’t usually want veggies.
Storing Leftovers
Swaps and Changes
Great Things To Serve With It
This dish is all about comfort, a real family favorite that feels like a warm hug with every bite. You’ll want to make it over and over when you need a meal that makes you feel cozy and happy.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which sausage is best for this dish?
Italian sausage works great whether spicy, sweet, or mild. But you can pick any ground sausage you like.
- → Can other pasta shapes be used?
For sure! Shells are what the dish suggests, but penne, rotini, or similar ones hold the sauce nicely too.
- → Should I use fresh or frozen broccoli?
Either works well. Fresh broccoli gives a crisp feel while frozen is handy. Just tweak cooking times to keep it tender but not soggy.
- → How’s the sauce thickened and flavored?
Butter and flour cook together to thicken, then cream cheese and Parmesan add richness and a smooth taste.
- → What role does white wine play?
It loosens up the pan bits and adds a light tang that lifts the sauce’s flavor and balance.
- → How do you finish seasoning the dish?
A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens things up, while red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper add a bit of spice and aroma just before serving.