4 Ingredient Sausage Pasta With Broccoli

Sausage Pasta

I love keeping ground Italian sausage, either chicken, turkey, or pork, in my freezer and using it to flavor simple dinners like this one. Since it already has spices and herbs in it, it adds all of the flavor you crave without having to measure out anything else! This dish combines the sausage with pasta, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese for healthy comfort food the whole family can enjoy. The other great thing about this recipe? (In addition to it being super FAST!) It can work for kids who like their foods mix, or don’t, since the pieces of everything are big enough to easily separate out if needed. And it’s satisfying for adults—and is great topped with a little crushed red pepper.

Ingredients You Need

There are just four simple ingredients in this skillet pasta recipe. (You may need some olive oil too and a sprinkle of salt—two items which you may already have in your pantry.)

Pasta: I used shell pasta in this recipe, but any small or medium shape that’s similar in size to the broccoli and sausage works well. (The similar size of the ingredients just makes it easy to eat.)Bulk ground Italian sausage: You can use chicken, pork, or turkey sausage as you like.Broccoli: Cut broccoli florets or use precut florets from the store.Grated Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan tends to have way more flavor than shredded, so get grated if you can. Pecorino or Romano works well, too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process involved in making this recipe. TIP: You’ll want to reserve a little pasta water before you drain the pot so you have some liquid to help the pasta have enough moisture.

Can I prep this meal in advance?

You can wash, dry, and chop the broccoli ahead and store it in an airtight container such as a quart-size mason jar up to 3 days ahead. That will at least save you from having to chop when it’s time to cook. You can also of course buy broccoli florets already chopped for you. You can also make the entire meal and then simply reheat it come dinner time.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on a heat-safe plate or bowl to serve.

Best Tips for Success

Grated Parmesan tends to have way more flavor than shredded, so get grated if you can.Cook pasta on the lower end of the time window on the package for the best texture that won’t fall apart.Wash, dry, and chop your broccoli into florets and store it in an airtight container such as a quart-size mason jar up to 3 days ahead.Use precut broccoli florets from the produce aisle to make this even faster.Use whichever shape of pasta your kids prefer, such as shells, rotini, farfalle, ziti, or elbows.For older babies who are eating finger foods, make sure that the pasta is a shape they can handle or cut it into smaller pieces.Dairy-free: Omit the Parmesan.Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below to share!