Savory Cavatelli with Broccoli and Italian Sausage
Indulge in this deliciously hearty dish featuring tender cavatelli pasta paired with vibrant broccoli and flavorful Italian sausage. This quick and easy recipe, inspired by the April 2005 issue of All You magazine, comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of sautéed garlic and spicy red pepper flakes elevates the taste, while a splash of chicken broth keeps everything beautifully moist. Optional grated cheese adds an extra layer of richness that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is both comforting and satisfying, ensuring everyone will ask for seconds.
4
Servings
180
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatelli or Shell Pasta
8 ounces (dry, uncooked)
Broccoli
1 head (about 1.5 pounds) (washed, dried, trimmed, and cut into florets)
Ground Mild Italian Sausage
8 ounces (uncooked)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic Cloves
2 (smashed)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Chicken Broth
1 cup (low-sodium preferred)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste (optional))
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste (optional))
Grated Cheese
1 cup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by filling a large pot or Dutch Oven halfway with water, seasoning with salt if desired. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
2
Add the cavatelli (or shell pasta) to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve one cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. Do not rinse the pasta after draining.
3
While the pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli. Wash and dry the head of broccoli, then trim and peel the stems. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Cook and brown the sausage, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a large serving bowl.
5
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets, extra virgin olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden brown.
6
Pour in the chicken broth and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still retains a vibrant green color.
7
Combine the broccoli mixture with the browned sausage in the serving bowl, stirring well to combine. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is achieved.
8
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese over the top right before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
150mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cavatelli with Broccoli and Italian Sausage?
It is a hearty one-pot dish featuring tender cavatelli pasta, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful Italian sausage, inspired by All You magazine.
What are the main ingredients in this pasta dish?
The main ingredients include cavatelli or shell pasta, broccoli, ground mild Italian sausage, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 8 ounces of dry, uncooked cavatelli or shell pasta.
How much broccoli is used in this dish?
The recipe requires one head of broccoli, which is approximately 1.5 pounds.
What kind of sausage does this recipe require?
You should use 8 ounces of uncooked ground mild Italian sausage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 180 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this meal?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
This dish provides 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the sodium content?
Each serving contains 150mg of sodium.
How long should I boil the cavatelli?
The pasta should be cooked for 8-10 minutes or until it is al dente.
What should I do before draining the pasta?
Be sure to reserve one cup of the cooking water before you drain the pasta.
Why should I reserve the pasta cooking water?
The reserved water is used to adjust the consistency of the dish if the mixture appears too dry.
How do I prepare the broccoli for cooking?
Wash and dry the broccoli, then trim and peel the stems before cutting it into bite-sized florets.
How long does it take to brown the sausage?
The sausage should be cooked and browned for about 5-7 minutes.
What kind of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves that have been smashed.
What gives this dish a spicy kick?
The addition of 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes adds spice to the dish.
How long do I sauté the garlic and broccoli?
Sauté the broccoli and garlic together for approximately 3 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown.
What liquid is used to cook the broccoli?
One cup of chicken broth, preferably low-sodium, is used to cook the broccoli.
What should I do if the pasta mixture is too dry?
Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until you achieve the desired consistency.
Is there an optional topping for this dish?
Yes, you can sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheese over the top right before serving.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe was inspired by the April 2005 issue of All You magazine.
Should I rinse the pasta?
No, you should not rinse the pasta after draining it.
At what heat should I cook the sausage?
The sausage should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat.
How much garlic is needed?
You need 2 smashed garlic cloves for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the sausage?
The sausage should be broken up into bite-sized pieces as it browns.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is a quick and easy recipe that is both comforting and satisfying for weeknights.