Craving a comforting yet sophisticated weeknight meal? Look no further than this Creamy Sausage Broccolini Pasta Skillet! This one-pan wonder combines the savory richness of Italian sausage with the slightly bitter bite of broccolini, all tossed in a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. It's a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, requiring minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times – this dish is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality dinner.
This incredibly flavorful pasta skillet is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a satisfying meal on your own. The simple yet elegant combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Ready to experience the magic? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Skillet or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Knife
- Chopper
Ingredients
- Orae pasta: 16 oz
- Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
- Broccolini: 2 batches
- Bulk mild Italian pork sausage: 1 pound
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Cracked black pepper
- Flour: 1 tablespoon
- Chicken broth: 1 cup
- Heavy whipping cream: 8 oz
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 to 1/2 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Cook Pasta and Broccolini
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
- Add 16 oz of Orae pasta and cook according to package directions (9-11 minutes). Stir for 30 seconds to prevent sticking.
- Two to three minutes before the pasta is done, add broccolini to the pot on a colander to steam.
Step 2. Sauté Sausage and Season
- In a skillet, brown 1 pound of bulk mild Italian pork sausage. Break it into bigger pieces.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1 minute.
- Drain any excess grease from the sausage.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), cracked black pepper, and salt to the sausage.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the rawness.
Step 3. Create the Creamy Sauce
- Cut the steamed broccolini into bite-sized pieces and add to the sausage.
- Add 1 cup of chicken broth, 8 oz of heavy whipping cream, and Parmesan cheese (1/4 to 1/2 cup, or more to taste). Stir until combined.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use any small type of pasta you prefer.
- You can substitute Jimmy Dean sausage for the bulk sausage.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even Italian-seasoned pork sausage work well. Adjust seasoning to taste if using a leaner meat.
2. What kind of pasta is best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal for capturing the creamy sauce. However, you can use any pasta you like!
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
This Creamy Sausage Broccolini Pasta Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy the flavorful simplicity of this easy Italian recipe!