Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Looking for a meal that’s both quick and comforting? This one-pot wonder is here to save the day! Bursting with savory smoked sausage, tender broccoli florets, and creamy cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

Here’s the breakdown of cooking times for each step:

1. Preparing the Smoked Sausage: This step usually takes around 5-7 minutes. You’ll want to brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat until it’s cooked through and has a nice caramelized exterior.
2. Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli: Once you’ve removed the sausage from the skillet, you’ll use the same skillet or pot to cook the pasta and broccoli. Following the package instructions for the Knorr cheesy cheddar pasta side, this typically takes about 10-12 minutes. You’ll boil the water, add the pasta and seasoning mix, and simmer until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. Adding the broccoli to the pot along with the pasta allows it to cook simultaneously.
3. Combining the Ingredients: Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked and the sauce has thickened, you’ll return the cooked smoked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. This step takes just a couple of minutes to ensure everything is well combined.
4. Melting the Shredded Cheese: After adding the shredded cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, you’ll cover the skillet or pot with a lid and let it sit for about 1-2 minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.

Ingredients:

• Smoked Sausage: Use about half a pound of smoked sausage. You can use any variety you prefer, such as beef, pork, turkey, or chicken.
• Knorr Cheesy Cheddar Pasta Side: You’ll need one package of this pasta side mix. If you can’t find Knorr brand, any similar cheesy cheddar pasta mix will work.
• Broccoli: Aim for about 1 cup of broccoli florets. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for broccoli.
• Shredded Cheese: You’ll need about 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cheddar cheese works well, but you can use any type of cheese you like or have on hand.
• Water: Follow the package instructions of the pasta mix for the amount of water needed.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Smoked Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into rounds or half-moons, whichever you prefer. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and add the sliced sausage. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: In the same skillet or pot, prepare the Knorr cheesy cheddar pasta side according to the package instructions. This usually involves bringing water to a boil, adding the pasta and seasoning mix, and simmering until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. When the liquid starts to boil, add the broccoli florets to the pot along with the pasta. This allows the broccoli to cook along with the pasta and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked and the sauce has thickened, return the cooked smoked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and broccoli mixture.
4. Add Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet or pot with a lid and let it sit for a minute or two, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.
5. Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the lid and give everything a good stir to combine. Serve the cheesy smoked sausage and broccoli pasta hot, and enjoy your delicious and quick one-pot meal!

why you’ll love this Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Recipe :

1. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, this one-pot meal comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.
2. Comforting and Flavorful: Bursting with savory smoked sausage, tender broccoli florets, and creamy cheesy goodness, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Each bite is filled with rich flavors that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
3. Versatile: You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste preferences. Swap out the smoked sausage for your favorite protein, use different types of cheese, or add in extra veggies to make it your own.
4. One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single skillet or pot. This means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
5. Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Even picky eaters will love the combination of cheesy pasta, savory sausage, and nutritious broccoli.
6. Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients like smoked sausage, pasta mix, and broccoli, this meal is both delicious and budget-friendly. It’s a great way to feed your family without breaking the bank.

How to Store it:

1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftover Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or sealable storage bag. Refrigerate the leftovers promptly, within two hours of cooking. Stored properly in the refrigerator, the leftovers should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: If you want to store the leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. Again, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Pasta will maintain good quality for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating from the refrigerator, microwave individual portions on high heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed. If reheating from frozen, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods mentioned above.

4. Storage Tips: Remember to label the storage container or bag with the date before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help you keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored. Additionally, portioning the leftovers into individual servings before storing them can make reheating more convenient later on.