Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage is the kind of meal that hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. This hearty pasta dish brings together al dente rigatoni, crisp-tender broccoli, golden-browned Italian sausage, and a garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect answer to weeknight hunger pangs or a casual dinner with friends. Minimal prep, maximum flavor, and one pan of pure pasta joy!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and flavorful: From stove to table in under 30 minutes
- Well-balanced: Protein, fiber, and carbs in one satisfying bowl
- Family-friendly: Kid-approved and great for leftovers
- Adaptable: Use spicy sausage for a kick or swap in chicken sausage for a leaner take
- Easy to double: Feeds a crowd with very little extra effort
This is the kind of pasta recipe that becomes a regular in your rotation.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside. - Blanch the broccoli
In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli to the boiling water. Drain with the pasta. - Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove excess grease if needed. - Add garlic and spice
Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. - Combine with pasta
Add rigatoni and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the mixture and create a light sauce. - Finish and serve
Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition is approximate and varies based on specific ingredients and brands.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or white beans.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta variety—just watch the cook time.
- Lighter version: Try chicken or turkey sausage and reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon.
- Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw or microwave it slightly before adding to the pasta water or skillet.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
What pasta shape can I use instead of rigatoni?
Penne, orecchiette, or even shells work beautifully. Just choose a pasta with ridges to hold the sauce.
Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage
Equipment
- – Large pot
- – Skillet
- Strainer
- – Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- – 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- – 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- – 4 cups broccoli florets
- – 4 cloves garlic minced
- – ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- – ½ cup reserved pasta water
- – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – Salt and black pepper to taste
- – Zest of 1 lemon optional
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. In last 2 mins, add broccoli. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook sausage until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Return pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Conclusion
Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage is a weeknight dinner dream—quick, hearty, and bursting with bold Italian flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or batch prepping lunches for the week, this satisfying pasta dish will always deliver. One pot, one skillet, endless deliciousness.