Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls

If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor, then Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that combines everything you love—savory sausage, cheesy pasta, and tender broccoli, all baked to perfection with a crispy crescent roll topping. Every bite is a cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying experience that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds! Trust me, this one’s going to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls

• Hearty and Satisfying: This dish has it all—protein from the sausage, fiber from the broccoli, and all the carbs you need from the pasta and crescent rolls. It’s a complete meal that’s filling and delicious.
• Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a fan of melted cheese, then you’re in for a treat. It’s loaded with cheese, making it rich and creamy, with a perfect blend of flavors.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No need for anything fancy—just wholesome, delicious staples.
• Family-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a group of hungry mouths, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even the kids will love it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, comforting dish:

• Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your flavor preference.
• Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works great for this dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets add that veggie goodness we all need, and they balance out the richness of the sausage and cheese.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that gooey, melty cheesy goodness that pulls everything together.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For extra cheesiness and stretch!
• Crescent Rolls: The crispy, buttery topping is what makes this dish extra special. It bakes to golden perfection, adding a delightful crunch.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper: The perfect seasoning to bring out the flavors in the sausage, pasta, and cheese.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the sausage.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking—this cheesy, comforting dish is going to be ready in no time!

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Sausage:

In a large skillet, heat up a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This will only take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the Broccoli:

If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it until it’s tender. If you’re using frozen broccoli, just thaw it out and add it straight to the skillet with the sausage. Stir everything together, letting the broccoli warm up.

4. Make the Sauce:

Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Combine the Pasta and Cheese:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage, broccoli, and creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until it’s all melted and mixed together. You should have a wonderfully cheesy, creamy mixture at this point.

6. Prepare the Crescent Rolls:

Open the package of crescent rolls and unroll them onto a baking sheet. Pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough. You can also cut it into strips if you prefer a more rustic topping.

7. Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the cheesy sausage and pasta mixture into a baking dish. Top with the prepared crescent roll dough, covering the whole casserole. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the crescent rolls are golden and the dish is bubbling, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dig in, and enjoy that cheesy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 550
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 27g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls

• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp side salad, lightly dressed, to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple vinaigrette would be perfect.
• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread alongside this cheesy pasta bake. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce!
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for a nutrient-packed meal that still feels indulgent.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the sauce to give it a kick.
• Use Leftover Sausage: This is a great way to use up any leftover sausage you might have. Just chop it up and toss it in!
• Customize Your Veggies: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can swap it for spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Add More Cheese: If you’re a true cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese on top or mix it into the sauce for extra gooeyness.
• Make Ahead: This is a great dish to prep ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of sausage?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even pork sausage. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the dish.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A2: Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly fine. Just thaw it out before adding it to the dish.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

Q4: Can I use another type of cheese?
A4: Definitely! You can use mozzarella, provolone, or any cheese you like. Just keep in mind that cheddar adds a nice sharpness to balance the richness.

Q5: Can I use a different type of dough for the topping?
A5: Yes! If you don’t have crescent rolls, you can use pizza dough or even biscuit dough for a different take on the topping.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q7: Can I freeze this casserole?
A7: Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Q8: Can I use a different pasta?
A8: Yes! Any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni will work great in this recipe.

Q9: How do I make this dish spicier?
A9: To add more heat, try using spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Q10: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A10: Yes, feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to customize the dish to your liking.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a crispy crescent roll topping. It’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table, and it’s so easy to make! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress your family with a hearty, comforting meal, this dish is sure to please everyone. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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