Spicy sausage and broccoli Shells
Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Shells
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Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Shells is a classic Italian-inspired pasta dish that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but full of flavor. It comes together in less than 30 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients, making it a great choice when you want a satisfying homemade Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Savory, spicy Italian sausage is cooked with crisp-tender broccoli and tossed with al dente pasta shells in a flavorful pan sauce. The shells are perfect for catching all those delicious bits of sausage and sauce, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
If you’re looking for an easy sausage and broccoli pasta that the whole family will love, this is one to keep in your weeknight rotation. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together quickly — exactly what you want when dinner needs to be on the table fast.
Why You’ll love this spicy sausage and broccoli shell recipe
Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this sausage and broccoli pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknight family meals. Few ingredients and simple steps means it’s as easy as it is delicious.
Bold and savory flavors: The sausage brings a robust, spicy kick, perfectly balanced by the earthy bitterness of the broccoli.
Nutritious and filling: With the protein from the sausage, fiber and vitamins from the broccoli, and the satisfying carbs from the pasta, this dish is filling and packed with good for you ingredients.
Customizable: You can easily customize this pasta recipe by controlling the spice level by choosing a mild, medium or hot sausage or even add or subtract the red pepper flakes. And of course the pasta shape is always optional, although I prefer a short pasta shape, you can use whatever shape fits your taste.
Family- friendly: It’s one of those dishes that both kids and adults will enjoy, and you can sneak in extra veggies without much fuss.
This is the kind of meal that’s simple enough for weeknight meals, but flavorful enough for Saturday night dinner with friends.
More Easy Italian Pasta Recipes
If you love quick and comforting Italian pasta dishes, you’ll want to try a few more of my favorites. For another flavorful sausage pasta, try my Pasta alla Norcina with Mushrooms. If you’re looking for something creamy and comforting, my Creamy Broccoli Pasta Shells is another great choice. And for a hearty meat-free option, my Vegetarian Mushroom Bolognese Bucatini is packed with rich, savory flavor.
Kitchen Favorites
A good large sauté pan makes this pasta especially easy to prepare, giving the sausage and broccoli plenty of room to cook before tossing everything together with the pasta. I also recommend a large pasta pot for cooking the shells so they have plenty of room to cook evenly.
Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Shells
Ingredients
- 1/2 Lb. pasta
- 4 cups trimmed broccoli florets
- 2 links spicy Italian sausage casings removed
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups pasta water
- grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta el dente reserving 2 cups of the pasta water.
- In the mean time make the sauce in the saute pan over medium high heat in the olive oil saute the sausage until beginning to brown before adding the garlic and onion saute until the onion and garlic are soft and fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the chicken stock waiting until it evaporates before adding the pasta water. Then simmer the sauce until it thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Add the el dente cooked pasta. Then in the same pasta water cook the broccoli until fork tender. Mash some of the broccoli and add to the pasta. Adjust your seasoning. Top with grated parmesan cheese and Italian parsley.
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