Indulge your taste buds with a delightful Italian classic that’s as comforting as it is quick to prepare! Cavatelli with Italian Sausage and Broccoli is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the rich flavors of savory sausage and vibrant greens, all enveloped in tender, pillowy pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with friends, this recipe will have you savoring every bite in just 30 minutes. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this delicious culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz cavatelli pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add cavatelli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces and browning until no pink remains.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with sausage and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the cavatelli pasta.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with sausage and broccoli. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use spicy or mild sausage based on your preference.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: To maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture, add the broccoli to the skillet just a few minutes before finishing the dish.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water! It’s a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage or a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! Freshly grated cheese adds a creamy finish that enhances the overall dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
