Okay, so you know those nights, right? The ones where you walk in the door and your brain just *checks out*? That’s exactly when this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls becomes my absolute hero. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl after a crazy day. I remember one Tuesday, I’d been running around nonstop, and the thought of cooking anything complicated just made me want to crawl into bed. But then I remembered this recipe! It comes together so fast, and the smell of the sausage and cheese filling the kitchen? Pure magic. It’s so simple, but oh-so-satisfying, especially with those fluffy crescent rolls on the side. It’s become our go-to for a reason!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls
Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! Here’s why it’s so great:
- It’s super quick and easy – perfect for when you’re short on time.
- You get that amazing combo of savory sausage, tender broccoli, and a dreamy cheese sauce.
- And who doesn’t love warm, fluffy crescent rolls on the side?
- Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped for this deliciousness! You’ll need a few things that are probably already in your pantry or fridge, and a couple that are super easy to grab. Having everything ready makes the actual cooking part a total breeze, trust me.
Sausage Choice for Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
For this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta, I always reach for Italian sausage. You can go with mild if you’re not a fan of heat, or spicy if you like a little kick. Either way, it brings so much flavor to the dish!
Fresh Broccoli Preparation
We need some fresh broccoli florets. It’s best to chop them into bite-sized pieces, about an inch or so. This way, they cook up perfectly tender-crisp right in the sauce without getting mushy. For more information on the benefits of broccoli, check out this guide to the benefits of fruits and vegetables.
The Essential Crescent Rolls
And of course, we need those crescent rolls! Grab one standard can – you know, the kind that comes in the cardboard tube. They bake up so golden and flaky, and are the perfect little sidekick to our pasta.
Creamy Cheese Sauce Components
For our luscious sauce, you’ll need some heavy cream for that rich texture, and shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives it a nice bite! Don’t forget a little bit of minced garlic for aroma, plus salt and pepper to taste. Simple, but oh-so-effective!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls
Okay, let’s get this delicious meal on the table! It really is straightforward, so don’t stress. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dinner in no time.
Browning the Sausage
First things first, grab a big skillet. We’re going to cook that pound of Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s all browned up and looks delicious. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, carefully drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy pasta!
Cooking the Broccoli and Garlic
Now, toss your broccoli florets right into that same skillet with the sausage. We want to cook them for about 3-5 minutes, just until they’re tender-crisp. You know, still bright green and with a little bite to them. Then, add your minced garlic and stir it around for just about a minute. You’ll smell that amazing garlic aroma – be careful not to burn it!
Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Time for the magic! Pour that heavy cream into the skillet. Let it come to a gentle simmer – you don’t want a rolling boil. Then, stir in your shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until it’s all melted and you’ve got this super smooth, creamy sauce coating everything. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. It’s that easy!
Baking the Crescent Rolls
While the sauce is doing its thing, pop those crescent rolls in the oven. Just follow the directions on the can – usually, it’s a pretty short bake time, maybe 10-15 minutes, until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The smell of them baking is just heavenly!
Bringing the Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Together
Once the sauce is perfect and the rolls are almost ready, give the pasta one last stir. Make sure all that yummy sausage and broccoli is coated in that glorious cheese sauce. Serve generous portions of the pasta right away, alongside those warm, flaky crescent rolls. Dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls
Want to make this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls absolutely perfect every time? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. First, don’t overcook your broccoli; you want it tender-crisp so it still has a nice bite. Also, when you add the cheese, make sure the heat is low and stir constantly – this prevents it from getting greasy. If you want even more flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little warmth! And for the crescent rolls, a quick brush of melted butter right after they come out of the oven makes them extra golden and delicious.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Sometimes you need to tweak a recipe, right? That’s totally fine! This Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is pretty forgiving.
Vegetable Variations
If broccoli isn’t your favorite, or you just don’t have any on hand, no worries! You can easily swap it out for other veggies. Chopped bell peppers (any color!) work great, or some sliced mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor. Even a handful of frozen peas tossed in at the end would be lovely.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want to turn up the heat? Easy peasy! When you add the garlic, just toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives it a little warmth without being overpowering. If you’re using spicy Italian sausage, you might not need any extra heat at all!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
This Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta is pretty much a complete meal on its own, especially with those yummy crescent rolls! But if you want to round it out, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. It adds a nice fresh contrast to the rich pasta!
Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It should keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is usually the quickest way – just a minute or two, stirring halfway through. If you want to be a bit fancier, you can gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat, maybe adding a tiny splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls
Got some burning questions about this deliciousness? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?
You totally can make some parts ahead! You can brown the sausage and cook the broccoli a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Then, just reheat them gently in the skillet, add the cream and cheese to make the sauce, and you’re good to go. The crescent rolls are best baked fresh, though!
What kind of sausage works best for this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta?
My favorite is definitely Italian sausage for this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta. It’s got all those great herbs and spices built-in! Mild Italian sausage is perfect if you want less heat, while hot Italian sausage will give you a nice little kick. You could even try a different flavored sausage if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I use a different type of cheese in this pasta dish?
Oh, absolutely! While cheddar is fantastic and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment. A sharp cheddar will give you more flavor, or you could try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. Even a little Parmesan mixed in adds a lovely salty, nutty note. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese!
Is this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta recipe easily adaptable for dietary restrictions?
It can be! For a vegetarian version, just skip the sausage and sauté some extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers in olive oil instead. For gluten-free, you’d need to find a gluten-free pasta and make sure your sausage is GF. The crescent rolls are a bit trickier to adapt, but there are some gluten-free roll options out there now!
Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info you see for this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is an estimate. It can totally change depending on the specific brands you use, like the type of sausage or cheese, and even how much you end up eating!
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Amazing Cheesy Sausage Broccoli Pasta 4 U
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy weeknight pasta dish featuring sausage, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, served with convenient crescent rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, bake crescent rolls according to package directions.
- Serve the cheesy sausage and broccoli pasta with the warm crescent rolls.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, use mild Italian sausage.
- You can substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, sausage pasta, broccoli pasta, crescent rolls, weeknight dinner, easy recipe