Broccoli Sausage Penne Recipe

Penne pasta: A type of pasta shaped like tubes, perfect for holding the sauce.

Italian sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.

Broccoli florets: Provides a fresh, crunchy texture and nutritional value.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and pungent taste.

Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the dish, creating a light sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Aged cheese that adds a salty and nutty flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the dish.

To ensure your broccoli retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture, consider blanching it before adding it to the skillet. Simply boil the broccoli florets in salted water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step will help maintain the broccoli's freshness and enhance the overall presentation of your Broccoli Sausage Penne.

• penne pasta - Substitute with fusilli pasta: Fusilli has a similar texture and can hold the sauce well, making it a good alternative.

• penne pasta - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: For those with gluten intolerance, gluten-free pasta provides a similar texture and taste.

• italian sausage - Substitute with chicken sausage: Chicken sausage is a leaner option and can provide a similar flavor profile.

• italian sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, vegetarian sausage can mimic the texture and flavor of Italian sausage.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus provides a different but complementary flavor and similar nutritional benefits.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for vegetarians and provides a similar depth of flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add a richer, more robust flavor to the dish.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a good vegan alternative that provides a cheesy flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and a different flavor profile to the dish.

• Allow the broccoli sausage penne to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled pasta into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For portion control, consider dividing the pasta into individual servings.
• If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored.
• Store the broccoli sausage penne in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the containers or bags in the freezer, where they can be kept for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the dish's texture.
• Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• For an extra touch of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a small amount of chicken broth.
  2. Add the leftover broccoli sausage penne to the skillet.
  3. Stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta heats evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  4. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit more chicken broth to keep it moist.
  5. Once heated through, serve immediately.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the broccoli sausage penne in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy top.
  6. Serve hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the broccoli sausage penne in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or a few drops of water to keep the pasta from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
  6. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Steam Method:

  1. Place a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Add the broccoli sausage penne to the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Serve immediately.

• Large pot: Used to cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta.

• Large skillet: Used to cook the sausage, broccoli, and garlic, and to combine all ingredients.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sausage, broccoli, and pasta mixture.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the chicken broth and grated parmesan cheese.

• Chef's knife: Used to slice the Italian sausage and mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the sausage and mincing the garlic.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the sausage and mixing the pasta with the other ingredients.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.

• Serving bowl: For serving the finished Broccoli Sausage Penne.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook the italian sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just reheat it when you're ready to make the dish.

Use frozen broccoli: Save time by using frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh. They cook faster and are just as nutritious.

Minced garlic paste: Opt for pre-minced garlic paste to cut down on prep time.

One-pot method: Cook the penne pasta in the same skillet after browning the sausage. This reduces the number of dishes to wash.

Pre-grated cheese: Use pre-grated parmesan cheese to save time on grating.