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Pasta with Italian Sausage and Broccoli - Simply Whisked
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Pasta with Italian Beef Sausage and Broccoli

A robust, savory main course featuring ground beef sausage, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente pasta. This classic Italian-inspired meal combines high-protein beef, nutrient-dense vegetables, and wholesome carbohydrates for a balanced, quick weeknight dinner. The dish achieves a perfect flavor balance by searing the beef with garlic and red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant, light sauce without the need for heavy creams.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef sausage (mild or hot)
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 12 oz orecchiette or penne pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the remaining water.
  3. During the final three minutes of the pasta's cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the beef sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, and brown thoroughly.
  6. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli to the skillet.
  8. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, glossy sauce.
  9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning with salt if necessary, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure you don't overcook the broccoli so it maintains a nice crunch. The reserved pasta water is key to emulsifying the oil and cheese into a cohesive sauce.