Hearty Cavatelli with Sausage and Broccoli
This comforting Italian classic features tender cavatelli pasta tossed with savory sausage and vibrant broccoli florets, all coated in garlicky olive oil. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients.
🥦 Ingredients
- 1 lb cavatelli pasta (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
🔥 Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same water, cook cavatelli according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Combine Everything:
Return sausage and broccoli to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish:
Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Amazon Must-Haves to help you cook the best Cavatelli with Sausage and Broccoli
- 🍝 Cavatelli Pasta – Stock up on authentic Italian cavatelli for the perfect chewy bite
- 🔪 Garlic Press – Minimize prep time with a reliable garlic press
- 🍳 12-Inch Nonstick Skillet – Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing everything together
- 🧀 Parmesan Cheese Grater – Freshly grated cheese adds the best flavor and finish
- 🥦 Vegetable Steamer Basket – Steam broccoli easily and retain all the nutrients and color
💡 Helpful Tip: For extra flavor, finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.