Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls

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Introduction:

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls recipe. This delicious dish combines savory sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce with pasta, topped with buttery crescent roll dough for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Ingredients:

  • Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne or rotini works well).
  • Sausage: 1 pound of Italian sausage (bulk or sliced).
  • Broccoli: 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
  • Cheese Sauce: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
  • Crescent Rolls: 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough.
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Set aside.
  3. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, sausage, and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and coat evenly.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Unroll the crescent roll dough and place over the top, pinching seams together to cover the pasta mixture.
  7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish hot from the oven.

Serving and Storage Tips for Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serving Size: Cut the dish into squares or portions to serve. This recipe is hearty, so smaller portions work well as it’s quite filling.
  2. Garnish: For added flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese before serving. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a bit of heat if desired.
  3. Accompaniments: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the pasta dish.
  4. Temperature: Serve hot for the best taste and texture. If the dish has been refrigerated or frozen, reheat it in the oven for even heating and to crisp up the crescent roll topping.
  5. Presentation: Transfer the pasta bake to a serving dish for a more polished presentation, or serve directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing it to avoid condensation.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For best results, cover the dish with foil while reheating to prevent the topping from burning.
  4. Avoid Overcrowding: If you have a large amount of leftovers, consider dividing it into smaller portions before storing. This ensures quicker and more even reheating.
  5. Do Not Refreeze: If you’ve previously frozen and thawed the dish, avoid refreezing. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume to maintain quality.

    Variations for Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls:

    1. Vegetarian Version
      • Ingredients: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
      • Instructions: Sauté the vegetables until tender and mix them into the cheese sauce along with the pasta and broccoli.
    2. Chicken and Spinach
      • Ingredients: Substitute sausage with cooked, diced chicken breasts and add 2 cups of fresh spinach.
      • Instructions: Stir in the cooked chicken and spinach into the cheese sauce with the pasta and broccoli. The spinach adds a fresh, nutrient-rich element.
    3. Spicy Sausage and Peppers
      • Ingredients: Use spicy Italian sausage and add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow).
      • Instructions: Sauté the sausage and bell peppers together. Mix them with the pasta, broccoli, and cheese sauce for a kick of heat and sweetness.
    4. Mushroom and Swiss Cheese
      • Ingredients: Replace cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms.
      • Instructions: Stir the Swiss cheese and mushrooms into the cheese sauce. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs well with Swiss cheese.
    5. Bacon and Leeks
      • Ingredients: Substitute sausage with crispy bacon bits and add 1 cup of sliced leeks.
      • Instructions: Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it. Sauté leeks until tender, then mix them with the bacon into the pasta and cheese sauce.
    6. Tomato Basil
      • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped.
      • Instructions: Mix the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the cheese sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
    7. Alfredo Sauce Variation
      • Ingredients: Replace the cheese sauce with 2 cups of homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce.
      • Instructions: Use Alfredo sauce instead of the cheese sauce and mix with pasta, sausage, and broccoli for a creamy, rich variation.
    8. Buffalo Chicken
      • Ingredients: Use cooked, shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce instead of sausage.
      • Instructions: Mix the buffalo chicken with the pasta and broccoli. Add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for an extra tangy flavor.
    9. Tex-Mex Style
      • Ingredients: Use chorizo sausage, add 1 cup of black beans, and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
      • Instructions: Substitute chorizo for Italian sausage and stir in black beans. Top with the Mexican cheese blend before baking for a Tex-Mex flair.
    10. Cauliflower and Ham
      • Ingredients: Replace sausage with diced ham and add 2 cups of steamed cauliflower florets.
      • Instructions: Mix the ham and cauliflower into the pasta and cheese sauce for a savory and filling alternative.

Conclusion:

Our Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is a perfect blend of hearty sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, topped with flaky crescent roll dough. This recipe is an easy and delicious way to bring a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal to your table. Ideal for busy weeknights or special family dinners, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

FAQ’s About Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls:

  1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
    • Yes, you can use any type of sausage, such as turkey, chicken, or spicy sausage. Just adjust the cooking time if needed based on the sausage type.
  2. Can I substitute the crescent rolls with something else?
    • Yes, you can use refrigerated biscuit dough or pie crust instead. Simply spread the dough over the top of the pasta mixture and bake as directed.
  3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free crescent roll dough. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
  4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the pasta mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Add the crescent rolls and bake just before serving.
  5. How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator?
    • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  6. Can I freeze this dish?
    • Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  7. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
    • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
  8. How can I make this dish spicier?
    • Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
  9. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
    • Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture.
  10. What can I use if I don’t have a baking dish?
    • If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use any oven-safe dish, such as a casserole dish or a deep baking pan. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary based on the size and depth of the dish.

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