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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.