Pasta Sausage with Broccoli

If you're a fan of hearty, no-fuss meals, this pasta with sausage and broccoli is bound to become a favorite. It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort in every bite—simple, satisfying, and loved by both kids and adults alike.

I first had a version of this dish during a trip to Sicily, and I’ve honestly never gotten it out of my mind. The way the flavors came together—savory sausage, tender broccoli, and spicy chilli—was unforgettable. It was the kind of meal that made you pause and just appreciate good, honest food.

Back home, I’ve recreated it in a way that fits our busy lives. I often pre-cook the sausage and broccoli ahead of time, so when dinner time rolls around, it only takes about 10 minutes—just the time it takes for the pasta to cook—for everything to come together.

It’s a brilliant go-to for those evenings when you’re short on time but craving something wholesome, warming, and full of flavor.

Serves 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children.

Make ahead cook time: 12 min after prep

Ingredients:

(olive oil, salt and pepper)

• 400g broccoli, cut into small florets

• 400g pork sausages, the simplest kind you like

• 3 garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic press

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or peperoncino (add more if you like it spicy)

• 450g short pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or orecchiette)

• 1 knob of butter

• Grated Parmesan, to serve

Method:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli, and once the water returns to a boil, cook for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Refill the same pot with water for the pasta. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring it to a boil.

3. Meanwhile, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the sausages until browned and fully cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil, then add the pressed garlic and chili flakes. Sauté gently for just a couple of minutes—don’t let the garlic burn. Once fragrant, turn off the heat.

5. When the pasta water is boiling, cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Be sure to taste and check.

6. While the pasta is cooking, slice the sausages thinly and return them to the pan with the garlic and chili. Turn the heat back on low to keep everything warm.

7. Add the broccoli to the same pan and break it apart gently with a spoon so it mixes well with the sausage.

8. When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it straight into the pan with the sausage and broccoli mixture.

9. Add a knob of butter and mix everything together until well combined and glossy.

10. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and grated Parmesan.

Tips & Tricks:

Skip the chili if you're cooking for kids, and instead add peperoncino when serving for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

This recipe also works beautifully with leftover sausages—just slice and warm them through with the garlic and broccoli for an even quicker meal.

Make-Ahead Meals Steps:

1. Pre-cook the broccoli and pork sausages ahead of time.

2. Store both in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

3. When it’s time to prepare the meal, start by boiling the pasta water.

4. While the water is heating, sauté the garlic (and chili, if using) in olive oil.

5. Take the cold sausages from the fridge and slice them—it's easier and quicker when they’re chilled.

6. Once the garlic is lightly sautéed, add the sliced sausage and broccoli to the pan.

7. Turn the heat on low to gently warm everything through while the pasta finishes cooking.

8. Continue from Step 8 of the main recipe: combine everything with the pasta, butter, and finish with Parmesan.

Happy Cooking!