Penne Sausage Broccoli Recipe

Penne pasta: A type of cylindrical pasta that holds sauce well.

Italian sausage: A flavorful sausage seasoned with herbs and spices, typically found in the meat section.

Broccoli: A green vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, cut into florets for this recipe.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish, used here in minced form.

Olive oil: A healthy fat used for cooking the sausage and vegetables.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When cooking the penne pasta, make sure to salt the water generously. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. When browning the sliced Italian sausage, ensure the skillet is hot enough to create a nice sear, which adds depth to the dish. For the broccoli florets, blanch them in boiling water for a minute before adding to the skillet. This helps retain their vibrant color and ensures they cook evenly. Finally, when tossing everything together, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to help bind the ingredients and create a light sauce.

• penne pasta - Substitute with fusilli: Fusilli has a similar texture and will hold the sauce well.

• penne pasta - Substitute with rigatoni: Rigatoni has a similar shape and can capture the sauce in its ridges.

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

• sliced italian sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a healthier alternative with a comparable taste.

• broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used in the same way as broccoli.

• broccoli - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus offers a different but complementary flavor and texture.

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

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

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the penne pasta and sausage mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled penne sausage broccoli into an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the broccoli crisp and the sausage flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, transfer the penne sausage broccoli to a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If frozen, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by placing it in a covered oven-safe dish and baking at 350°F (175°C) until hot, usually about 20-30 minutes.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave for too long, as this can make the broccoli mushy and the penne pasta overcooked.
• For added freshness, consider adding a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover penne sausage broccoli.
  4. Stir occasionally, cooking until everything is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. If the dish seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the pasta.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the pasta from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring in between.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the penne sausage broccoli in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Add the penne sausage broccoli to the basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the pasta from becoming too dry.

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

• Colander: Used to drain the cooked penne pasta.

• Large skillet: Used to cook the sliced sausage, garlic, and broccoli florets together.

• Wooden spoon: Used to stir and toss the ingredients in the skillet.

• Chef's knife: Used to slice the Italian sausage and cut the broccoli into florets.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for slicing the sausage and cutting the broccoli.

• Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic cloves.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil.

• Tongs: Used to toss the pasta with the other ingredients in the skillet.

• Serving bowl: Used to serve the finished dish.

Pre-cook the broccoli: Steam or microwave the broccoli florets ahead of time to reduce cooking time in the skillet.

Use pre-sliced sausage: Purchase pre-sliced Italian sausage to save time on preparation.

Minced garlic in a jar: Opt for pre-minced garlic to skip the chopping step.

Cook pasta in advance: Boil the penne pasta earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until needed.

One-pot method: Cook the sausage, garlic, and broccoli in the same pot used for the pasta to minimize cleanup.