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a plate of spicy sausage and broccoli pesto pasta with cheese on a light pink brick background
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5 from 8 votes

Sausage, Broccoli, and Pesto Pasta

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • Kosher salt
  • 12 ounces short-cut brown rice pasta, such as casarecce or orecchiette

For the Sausage:

  • 1 pound bulk mild Italian pork sausage
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion, from about 1/2 of a large onion

For the Sauce:

  • 12 ounces broccoli florets, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced Calabrian chiles, optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
  • 1/2 cup store-bought basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

For Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Instructions

For the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. Set aside until you’re ready to assemble.

For the Sausage:

  • In a large, tall-sided skillet set over medium-high heat, add the sausage and the onions. Cook, undisturbed, for 4 minutes or until a brown crust form on the sausage.
  • Break up the meat into crumbles and cook until it's no longer pink, 3 to 4 more minutes. Drain off excess fat, reserving at least 2 tablespoons in the skillet, keeping the onions and sausage in the skillet.

Make the Sauce:

  • Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the broccoli, salt, and pepper and continue to cook, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Add the garlic, Calabrian chiles (if using), oregano, and lemon juice. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir to combine. Add the ricotta, pesto, lemon zest, and about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Stir to combine, allowing the ricotta and pesto to slowly melt into the sauce. If needed, add the remaining 1/4 cup of pasta water to make the sauce a little creamier and saucier until the pasta is glossy and well coated in the sauce. Once combined, add the Parmesan and stir until just melted. Taste and add more salt, if desired.
  • Serve in shallow bowls and top with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and extra Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 4031kcal | Carbohydrates: 336g | Protein: 157g | Fat: 233g | Saturated Fat: 76g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 29g | Monounsaturated Fat: 70g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 451mg | Sodium: 6698mg | Potassium: 3006mg | Fiber: 42g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 6297IU | Vitamin C: 368mg | Calcium: 1659mg | Iron: 13mg