Creamy Sausage and Broccoli Ramen Delight
This creamy and savory dish combines the comforting flavors of sweet Italian turkey sausage with tender baby broccoli and ramen noodles. The added richness of reduced-fat sour cream creates a delightful sauce that binds the ingredients together, making it a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Perfectly balanced and ultra-convenient, this dish can be whipped up in under 30 minutes – a definite crowd-pleaser for busy families!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ramen noodles (chicken flavor)
9 ounces (Cook according to package instructions, then drain.)
Reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup (Mix with cornstarch.)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (Mix with sour cream.)
Sweet Italian turkey sausage
3 links (Remove casings and crumble.)
Frozen baby broccoli florets
3 cups (Thaw before adding to the skillet.)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes, reserving the seasoning packets for later. Drain the noodles and set aside.
2
In a small bowl, combine the reduced-fat sour cream and cornstarch, mixing well until smooth. Set aside for later use.
3
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the turkey sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, or until fully cooked through and browned.
4
Add the thawed baby broccoli, 1 cup of water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the reserved ramen chicken seasoning to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
5
Remove the cover and stir the sour cream mixture into the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6
Carefully fold in the drained ramen noodles, tossing until they are well coated with the creamy sauce. Heat through for about 1 minute before serving.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional black pepper or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sausage and Broccoli Ramen Delight?
It is a quick and savory meal that combines sweet Italian turkey sausage, baby broccoli, and ramen noodles in a creamy sauce made with reduced-fat sour cream.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This dish is ultra-convenient and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What kind of sausage is best for this ramen dish?
The recipe calls for three links of sweet Italian turkey sausage with the casings removed and crumbled.
Can I use regular pork sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Yes, you can substitute sweet Italian pork sausage if you prefer, though turkey sausage is used here for a leaner option.
How do I cook the ramen noodles for this recipe?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles for only 2 minutes before draining them.
Do I need to save the ramen seasoning packets?
Yes, keep the seasoning packets. You will use 1 1/2 teaspoons of the chicken seasoning to flavor the sauce.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is mixed with the sour cream to help thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
Should the baby broccoli be fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifies using 3 cups of frozen baby broccoli florets that have been thawed before cooking.
How do I make the creamy sauce?
Mix reduced-fat sour cream and cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the skillet with water and seasoning after the sausage and broccoli have simmered.
How long should I cook the sausage?
Cook the crumbled sausage in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it is browned and fully cooked through.
Can I use full-fat sour cream instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, full-fat sour cream will work perfectly and provide an even richer flavor to the sauce.
How much water do I add to the skillet?
Add 1 cup of water to the skillet along with the broccoli and seasoning to help steam the vegetables and form the sauce base.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it uses sweet Italian sausage and ramen seasoning, making it mild and family-friendly.
What if I want a spicier dish?
You can use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, or add red pepper flakes during the final cooking step.
How do I prevent the ramen noodles from becoming mushy?
Only boil the noodles for 2 minutes and add them to the skillet at the very end to just heat through.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh baby broccoli; you may need to simmer it for an extra minute or two until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, its comforting flavors and quick preparation time make it a definite crowd-pleaser for busy families.
Can I substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream, though the flavor may be slightly tangier.
What flavor of ramen is recommended?
Chicken-flavored ramen is recommended as the seasoning packet complements the turkey sausage well.
How many links of sausage are needed?
The recipe requires 3 links of sweet Italian turkey sausage.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The ramen seasoning packet and salted boiling water usually provide enough salt, but you can add more to taste.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it immediately while hot, optionally garnished with additional black pepper or fresh herbs.
Can I add other vegetables to this ramen?
Certainly! Peas, sliced bell peppers, or spinach would all be great additions to this creamy dish.
How do I prepare the sausage before cooking?
You should remove the casings from the sausage links and crumble the meat so it cooks evenly in the skillet.
How much cornstarch is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to be mixed with the sour cream.
How long do the broccoli and sausage simmer together?
They should simmer together, covered, for about 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the creamy sauce.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
The inclusion of 3 cups of broccoli adds a good amount of fiber to this meal.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
While ramen provides a specific texture, you could use udon noodles or even thin spaghetti as a substitute.