Craving a quick and delicious dinner? This one-pot pasta dish combines savory sausage, vibrant broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor explosion! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Satisfy your pasta cravings with this One Pot Sausage and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta! Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it’s a hearty meal that’s sure to impress! Easy to make and clean-up is a breeze!
Key takeaways
- Use one pot to simplify cleanup and enhance flavor absorption.
- Control heat to ensure pasta cooks evenly and absorbs broth.
- Adjust cooking times based on pasta shape to avoid mushiness.
- Substitutions can maintain the integrity of the dish while accommodating dietary preferences.
One Pot Wonder: Sausage & Sun Dried Tomato Pasta!
Ingredients
- 8 oz sweet Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb frozen broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes
- 8 oz pasta (any small shape)
- pinch red pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and sausage to the skillet and cook over medium heat until browned. If using links, cook them until browned and firm enough to slice, then slice into medallions, return to the skillet, and brown on both sides. Transfer to a bowl and drain off all but about 1 Tbsp fat.
- Add minced garlic and frozen broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and no longer frozen. Transfer broccoli to the bowl with the sausage.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to dissolve the browned bits. Slice sun-dried tomatoes into strips and add them to the broth with pasta and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir the skillet, lower the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- When the pasta is tender and slightly liquid remains, add the cooked sausage and broccoli back to the skillet. Stir to combine and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
The technique that makes it
This one pot pasta dish relies on the method of cooking all ingredients together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The key is to control the heat and allow the pasta to absorb the chicken broth, which serves as both the cooking liquid and a flavor enhancer. The starch released from the pasta during cooking helps to thicken the broth, creating a creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream. Additionally, the sweet Italian sausage adds depth of flavor as it browns, while the sun-dried tomatoes contribute a tangy sweetness that complements the dish.
Troubleshooting
- Problem: Pasta is overcooked and mushy.
Fix: Reduce the cooking time of the pasta by a minute or two. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat. - Problem: The dish is too salty.
Fix: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the seasoning at the end. You can also add a splash of water to dilute the saltiness. - Problem: The sauce is too thin.
Fix: Allow the dish to simmer for an additional few minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a bit of grated Parmesan to thicken it. - Problem: The sausage is undercooked.
Fix: Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Substitutions
- Sweet Italian sausage: Swap for spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat without changing the overall cooking method.
- Frozen broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli can be used instead; just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s tender but still bright green.
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative, maintaining the flavor profile of the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes can be substituted for a fresher taste, but they will require a longer cooking time to break down.
Pro tips
Pro tip: Best served immediately while hot!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?
Yes, whole wheat pasta can be used, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Monitor it closely to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they break down properly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for heat, or use a spicy sausage variety. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
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