Cooking Lucid
Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Penne
A quick and satisfying pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender broccoli florets, and penne pasta coated in a light, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a zesty weeknight meal.
Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups dried penne pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step 2 — For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Brown Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off most of the grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
- 2
Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and stir to coat.
- 3
Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the dried penne pasta and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The sauce should be mostly absorbed.
- 5
Finish and Serve
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition per serving: 620 cal · 35g protein · 55g carbs · 28g fat · 6g fiber
