Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage Recipe
A flavorful and hearty dish combining rigatoni pasta with tender broccoli florets and savory sausage, tossed with garlic, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing finish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe balances texture and taste with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound short pasta of choice (rigatoni recommended)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 16 oz broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn by hand
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
Flavorings & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup grated parmigiano cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in the grated parmigiano cheese, lemon zest, and torn basil. Mix well to incorporate flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra grated parmigiano on top for garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other green vegetables like asparagus or green beans for variation.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water or a bit of cream when tossing the pasta.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit sausage and consider adding mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
- Use freshly grated parmigiano for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the dish.
