Sausage Broccoli Creamy Pasta

This sausage and broccoli pasta is a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal that brings together savory sausage and tender broccoli in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a dish that feels hearty yet fresh, with just the right amount of spice and zest to keep things interesting.

I first made this for a family dinner when time was tight, and it quickly became a go-to because everyone loved how well the flavors melded together without spending hours cooking.

Ingredients You Need

• Three quarter cup half and half: brings creaminess without heaviness, best when fresh
• One and one quarter cups chicken broth: adds depth and a savory base, choose low sodium for control
• Hot sauce: provides a mild kick& adjust to your preferred spice level
• Dijon mustard: introduces a subtle tang that brightens the sauce, look for a smooth variety
• Soy sauce: enhances umami notes, best with a good-quality light soy sauce
• Onion powder: offers gentle sweetness enhancing the sausage flavor, check freshness for best aroma
• Oregano, basil, and parsley herbs: add layers of earthiness and freshness, use dried or fresh as available
• Garlic salt: deepens the savory profile& you can substitute with regular garlic and salt separately
• Olive oil: for browning the sausage, preferably extra virgin for best flavor
• One pound ground sausage: is the centerpiece, opt for Italian sausage for authentic taste
• Half cup dry white wine: such as Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and complexity
• Butter: melts into the sauce giving richness, use unsalted for more control
• Three cloves garlic minced: for aromatic brightness, pick firm and plump cloves
• Flour: used to thicken the sauce, all-purpose works best
• Softened cream cheese: delivers velvety texture and tang
• Three quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese: lends nuttiness and umami, freshly grated yields best melt
• Half pound medium shell pasta: to catch the sauce, choose quality dry pasta
• Three cups broccoli: provide freshness and crunch, select bright green heads free of spots
• Two teaspoons fresh lemon juice: offer brightness at the finish
• Red pepper flakes and freshly cracked pepper: add heat and seasoning to taste

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Sauce Base:

Combine the half and half, chicken broth, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic salt in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside for easy pouring. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.

Cook The Sausage:

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through about seven minutes. Crumble the meat as it cooks for even browning. Remove from skillet and set aside, then turn the heat off.

Prepare Pasta Water:

Meanwhile bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.

Deglaze With Wine:

Add the white wine to the same skillet. Turn heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the wine has reduced by half about four minutes, enhancing the sauce with rich complexity.

Create The Roux:

Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for one minute until fragrant. Then melt the butter and gradually sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously. Cook this mixture for one to two minutes until it loses its raw flour scent to create a smooth roux.

Cook Pasta and Broccoli:

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. For fresh broccoli, add it to the pasta water in the last three to five minutes of cooking. For frozen broccoli add it two to four minutes before draining. Once pasta and broccoli are tender but still firm, drain together.

Finish The Sauce:

Slowly add the prepared sauce mixture to the skillet in small splashes, stirring constantly to maintain thickness. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until smoothly combined. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese stirring until melted and creamy. Partially cover the skillet while the pasta finishes cooking.

Combine All Components:

Add the drained pasta and broccoli along with the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness. Season with red pepper flakes and freshly cracked pepper to taste and serve immediately.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how the broccoli's freshness contrasts with the creamy sauce. I remember serving this at a weekend family gathering& the way the sauce coated every shell of pasta was a big hit especially with kids who don’t always love greens.

Smart Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for best freshness. Avoid reheating multiple times as pasta can dry out. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce's creaminess. You can also freeze for up to one month but texture may slightly soften upon thawing.

Ingredient Variations

Try swapping broccoli for asparagus or green beans when in season for a change of flavor and texture. Switching out the sausage for ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer lighter protein options. Using smoked paprika or fennel seeds in the sausage mixture can bring a new exciting flavor twist to the dish.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness. A glass of the same dry white wine used in cooking or even sparkling water with a slice of lemon enhances the meal experience. For dessert, light options like fresh berries or lemon sorbet keep the palate refreshed after a creamy dinner.

This recipe offers so much comfort in every forkful, a real family favorite that warms the heart and fills the belly with happiness. It’s a dish you will return to again and again whenever you want something that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of sausage works best in this dish?

Italian sausage, whether hot, sweet, or mild, pairs excellently, but feel free to use your preferred ground sausage variety.

→ Can I substitute the pasta used here?

Absolutely! Shells are suggested, but penne, rotini, or similar shapes work well to hold the creamy sauce.

→ Is fresh or frozen broccoli preferred?

Both work fine; fresh broccoli offers a brighter texture, while frozen is convenient. Adjust cooking times accordingly to keep broccoli tender-crisp.

→ How is the sauce thickened and flavored?

The sauce uses butter and flour cooked together as a base, enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan for a smooth, flavorful finish.

→ What does adding white wine contribute?

White wine deglazes the pan and adds subtle acidity and depth, enhancing the overall richness and balance of the sauce.

→ How is the final seasoning adjusted?

Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, while red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper add mild heat and aroma right before serving.