Cooking Lucid
Spicy Sausage & Broccoli Penne
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender broccoli florets, and penne pasta tossed in a light, garlicky sauce. This quick meal balances heat and wholesome ingredients perfectly.
Prep 10 min
Cook 20 min
Total 30 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cook Pasta & Broccoli
Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- 2
Brown Sausage
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Sauté Aromatics
Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 4
Combine & Finish
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth (or 1/2 cup reserved pasta water) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and the sauce coats the pasta and broccoli. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to create a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Serve
Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition per serving: 620 cal · 35g protein · 55g carbs · 30g fat · 7g fiber
