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Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Description

This cheesy sausage and broccoli pasta with crescent rolls is a hearty, all-in-one meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce tossed with pasta and served with warm, buttery crescent rolls. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and delightfully comforting.


Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Meat

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Crescent Rolls

  • 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Garnish

  • Chopped parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking to steam them tender. Drain both and set aside.
  2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Season and Add Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta, Sausage, Broccoli, and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, add the drained pasta and broccoli, and toss all together to generously coat everything with the cheesy sauce.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Unroll the crescent roll dough and shape into crescents. Arrange the rolls either along the edges of the baking dish or separately on a baking sheet. Brush the crescent rolls with melted butter to ensure a golden finish.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish (and crescent rolls if on a separate sheet) in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the pasta is bubbly and hot throughout.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting, all-in-one meal.

Notes

  • Use turkey sausage for a leaner protein option.
  • Add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce if a spicy kick is desired.
  • Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder, creamier flavor profile.
  • If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well before adding to the pasta to prevent excess water in the dish.