Name: Beef Sausage and Broccoli Cheesy Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb beef sausage (sliced or crumbled, casing removed if needed); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces); ½ tsp dried basil; ½ tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed); Red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped parsley or basil; Extra Parmesan for serving

Description

Hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Beef Sausage and Broccoli Cheesy Pasta is the ultimate one-pan comfort food. Juicy beef sausage, tender broccoli florets, and pasta are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe delivers on both ease and taste.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta Dish:

12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb beef sausage (sliced or crumbled, casing removed if needed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

For Garnish:

Red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley or basil
Extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta and broccoli aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Sausage

In the same pot or a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add beef sausage and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Break it up into crumbles or slices as it cooks (depending on type).
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Pour in the cream and stir to combine.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the cheese sauce and sausage.
Toss gently to combine and coat everything evenly with the sauce.
Simmer on low for 1–2 minutes to bring it all together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional).
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Adding it during the last 2 minutes of pasta boiling keeps it tender-crisp.

Use High-Quality Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives the best flavor.

Cream Alternatives – Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.

Make It One-Pot – Use the same pot for cooking everything to save on cleanup.

Extra Veggies? – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more variety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian