Description
This Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines savory sausage, tender broccoli, and pasta in a creamy cheese sauce. Topped with buttery crescent rolls, it’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
For the pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the crescent rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (or 2 cans for extra topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the steamed broccoli and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside with the sausage.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta, sausage, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta, sausage, broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the crescent rolls: Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough. Lay the individual triangles of dough over the top of the pasta mixture in the skillet, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the skillet for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner version of this dish.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese or milk.
- If you don’t have a skillet that can go in the oven, transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish before topping with crescent rolls and baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 55mg