Chicken Sausage Pasta with Broccoli {30 Minute Weeknight Dinner! }

paper: Chicken Sausage Broccoli Pasta is packed with garlicky, creamy Parmesan cheese and the spicy kick of red pepper flakes. It’s quick, flexible, made with simple ingredients, and ready in about 30 minutes!

This recipe actually came together one night when the refrigerator was looking a little empty, and it’s now a staple in my house. You let the chicken sausage develop most of the flavor and let the starchy pasta water make the sauce creamy (no heavy cream required!).

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient or want to substitute a different vegetable or pasta shape. This recipe is designed for flexibility!

before starting

To make sure your pasta tastes just right, remember the following:

• Choose your sausage: Try different varieties of chicken or turkey sausage. Sweet or spicy Italian sausage, herb sausage, or even apple sausage work well. (Especially delicious with apple sausage and zucchini!)
• Remember Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of starchy water. This is the secret to creamy sauce!
• Change vegetables: Broccoli is a classic, but feel free to use asparagus, bell peppers, spinach, or whatever you have in the refrigerator.
• Use your favorite pasta: Cat ears are my favorite pasta shape, but they’re also delicious with spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, or whatever you have. You can also make it with whole wheat pasta or an alternative pasta made with chickpeas or lentils.

How to Make Chicken Sausage Pasta with Broccoli

Here’s how to make this event a crowd-pleaser on even the busiest nights.

1. Brown the chicken sausage

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken sausage (removed from casings if desired) and break it up while cooking. Fry for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.

2. Sauté garlic and spices

Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen smells delicious.

3. Add broccoli

Add the diced broccoli and cook until the broccoli is tender but still bright green, about 6-8 minutes. If it’s ready before the pasta, just take the pot off the heat.

4. Cook the pasta and save water

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. This is the key to the sauce.

5. Mix and make sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pot along with the sausage and broccoli. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, and stir until a creamy sauce forms. Dissolve chicken stock into pasta water as you add.

6. Taste and serve

Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if available. Serve immediately!

Recipe Tips and Ideas

There are many ways to customize this recipe and make it fit your preferences and pantry. Here are some ideas:

• No fresh broccoli? Frozen florets work well (no need to thaw), but they will cook a little faster and be softer.
• Make it low carb: For a low-carb option, make it with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles, similar to the Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage recipe.
• Add tomatoes: Consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or some canned pasta sauce to make a creamy tomato sauce.
• To use ground sausage: This can be made with ground chicken, sausage or pork, but you’ll want to add some extra spices to ensure the dish has a good flavor.

Service concept

This pasta is delicious on its own, but here are some easy side dishes to make it a full meal:

Store and reheat

Here’s how to enjoy leftovers (if you have any!):

• Shop: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small amount of water or broth to loosen the sauce.