Warm and Comforting Broccoli, Sausage, and Fresh Basil Pasta Recipe
45
min
985
Calories
58g
Fats
73g
Carbs
40g
Protein
This heartwarming Broccoli, Sausage, and Fresh Basil Pasta dish is a perfect combination of flavorful sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic basil, all tossed with tender pasta. It's a budget-friendly, comfort food option that packs a protein punch and pleases the palate in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package directions, ensuring it's al dente for the best texture. With approximately 4-5 minutes left in your pasta's cooking time, add the chopped broccoli to the boiling water. This ingenious method saves you time and an extra pot! Once both are tender, carefully drain and set aside. This method ensures your broccoli is perfectly cooked - vibrant and tender, all while your pasta is perfectly al dente.
Pro Tip: Adding the broccoli to the pasta water saves time and cleanup.
Step 2: Sauté Sausage, Garlic, and Onion
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage is no longer pink, stir in the minced garlic and diced onion. Continue to cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step infuses the sausage with the aromatic flavors of garlic and onion, making it irresistibly savory.
Pro Tip: Cooking the sausage with garlic and onion adds depth to its flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze with Merlot
Once the sausage mixture is cooked and aromatic, scoop it out of the skillet. Turn the heat up to medium-high and pour in the Merlot, stirring constantly to scrape up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step, known as deglazing, packs an intense flavor punch and ensures that all the savory tastes are incorporated into the dish. The Merlot adds a rich, deep note that will infuse the sausage with a luxurious taste and aroma.
Pro Tip: The deglazing process is crucial for incorporating maximum flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
After deglazing, turn off the heat and return the sausage mixture to the skillet, mixing well to ensure it's fully coated with the wine reduction. In a large serving bowl, toss together the sausage, garlic, onion mixture with the cooked pasta and broccoli. Stir in the chopped basil, crushed red pepper, and grated cheese, blending until everything is beautifully combined. The warmth of the pasta will melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy texture that binds all the ingredients together in a symphony of flavors.
Pro Tip: The final toss is key to evenly distributing all the flavors.
