Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Being a grad student, we don’t usually get “breaks”. The days of enjoying a nice summer vacation or winter break are long gone! This week is spring break and I am thrilled that my advisor told us to take the week off! Although I still have a lot of writing to do this week, not having to get up super early just to get a stupid parking space on campus is going to be wonderful! I am going to sleep in everyday this week and nobody can stop me!!! Ha!

So this onto this pasta…This recipe comes from my sister-in-law and mother-in-law and is in the cookbook my friends and family gave me for my bridal shower (yeah, remember that book?! I haven’t forgotten about it!)! My mother-in-law made this for us when we were visiting over the holidays and it was quite yummy! And as goes with many of the pasta dishes I post, this one can also be pretty versatile. You can change up the protein and you can change up the veggies you use!

Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Yield: serves 4

Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta - ready in 30 minutes! Pasta tossed in ground sausage, tender broccoli, and lots of Parmesan cheese!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well for this)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. spicy pork sausage, casings removed
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place broccoli in a steamer basket. Place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water; bring to a boil. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain the pasta, but reserve 1 cup of the liquid.
  2. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up into small pieces until the sausage is browned, about 8 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and toss to coat.
  4. Add the pasta and reserved cooking liquid 1/4 cup at a time. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 605Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 1143mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 28g

Spicy Broccoli and Sausage Pasta