Craving a quick, delicious dinner that'll have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken Sausage Broccoli and Penne recipe! In just 30 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that perfectly balances protein, pasta, and vibrant vegetables. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or someone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort, this Italian-inspired dish is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 4 chicken sausages
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, slice chicken sausages diagonally into 1/2-inch thick medallions.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly on all sides.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté with sausages for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with sausages and broccoli. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Sausage Browning Technique: Slice sausages diagonally for more surface area and better caramelization. This increases flavor and creates beautiful presentation.
- Broccoli Texture Matters: Cook broccoli just until bright green and slightly tender to maintain its nutritional value and prevent overcooking.
- Customize Your Heat: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or keep it mild for kids. The recipe is versatile!
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor. Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly.
- One-Pan Convenience: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using just one skillet after cooking pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
