Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage

Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage is the kind of pasta dinner that does everything right. Hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this one-skillet wonder features golden-browned sausage, vibrant green broccoli, and tender rigatoni all tossed in a garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s on the table in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crew.

This pasta recipe proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make a standout meal. Rigatoni is ideal for soaking up a quick garlic-Parmesan sauce, while the broccoli adds freshness and fiber. Mild or spicy Italian sausage brings the savory backbone, and a hint of lemon zest takes it to the next level. It’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner — quick, hearty, and just a little fancy.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy: 25 minutes from start to finish
• Full meal in one bowl: Protein, carbs, and veggies together
• Customizable: Swap in different sausages or veggies
• Kid-friendly: Simple flavors, big comfort
• Leftover-approved: Great for next-day lunches

🛒 Ingredients

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Blanch the Broccoli

In the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add broccoli to the boiling water. Drain everything together.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Add Garlic and Heat

Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine Pasta and Broccoli

Add the cooked rigatoni and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to combine. Splash in reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.

Finish and Serve

Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra cheese on top, if desired.

⏱️ Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

🔢 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
  (Nutrition is approximate and may vary based on ingredients.)

💡 Tips & Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use sautéed mushrooms or cannellini beans
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with gluten-free rigatoni
• Lean it out: Use chicken or turkey sausage, and reduce oil to 1 tbsp
• Creamy twist: Add a splash of heavy cream or dollop of ricotta at the end
• Turn up the heat: Use hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw or microwave before adding to the pasta water or skillet.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

What if I don’t have rigatoni?
No problem — penne, orecchiette, or medium shells all work well.

Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage

A quick and hearty pasta dish with spicy or mild sausage, vibrant broccoli, and a light Parmesan garlic sauce. A perfect 25-minute dinner for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• – Large pot
• – Large skillet
• – Slotted spoon or colander
• – Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• – 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• – 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
• – 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or thawed frozen
• – 4 cloves garlic minced
• – ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• – ½ cup reserved pasta water
• – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – Salt and black pepper to taste
• – Zest of 1 lemon optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
• In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the pot. Drain both together.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1–2 minutes.
• Add cooked rigatoni and broccoli. Toss to combine. Add pasta water gradually to loosen sauce.
• Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

– Use gluten-free pasta if needed
– Great for meal prep — keeps 3 days in the fridge
– For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or ricotta

Keyword Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage

🧾 Conclusion

Rigatoni with Broccoli and Sausage is everything a great pasta dinner should be — easy, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to. With just one pot and one pan, you’ll have a rich, comforting bowl of pasta on the table in no time.