If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that brings together melty cheese, savory sausage, vibrant broccoli, and flaky, buttery crescent rolls, then this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine tender pasta tossed with a creamy cheese sauce, studded with juicy Italian sausage and crisp-tender broccoli, all crowned with golden crescent roll dough baked to perfection. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a plate that’s surprisingly simple to make yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, everyday ingredients is the key to making this dish wonderfully flavorful. Each component plays its part: pasta gives body, sausage adds savory richness, broccoli brings a pop of color and freshness, and the crescent rolls on top create an irresistible, flaky finish.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Perfect shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and amplifying flavors with a touch of richness.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk): Provides that savory, juicy punch essential to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, aromatic foundation.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Bright green, slightly crunchy bites to balance the richness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smooth and stretchy for ultimate cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty note that lifts the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%): The liquid that transforms the roux into a luscious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend to tie all flavors together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the full flavor.
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough: The flaky, buttery topping that makes this dish unforgettable.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente—this means it’s tender but still has a slight bite that holds up well in the creamy sauce. Drain thoroughly and set aside. This base sets the stage for the dish’s creamy goodness.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 8 minutes. This browning step creates those savory caramelized bits that add incredible depth of flavor. Remove the sausage and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Broccoli
Using the same skillet, toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they soften and release their fragrant aroma, around 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the steamed or blanched broccoli florets, cooking for another couple of minutes to blend the flavors together. This step balances the richness of sausage with fresh, vibrant veggies.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook it for about a minute to remove that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to keep it lump-free as the sauce thickens over 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. This smooth sauce is the backbone that brings everything together with a silky texture and rich flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Sauce
Return the cooked sausage and broccoli mixture to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and everything mingles in a creamy, cheesy embrace. The noodles absorb the savory sauce, creating a deeply satisfying blend.
Step 6: Top with Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and lay each triangle evenly over the skillet’s surface, covering as much of the pasta mixture as possible. This topping will bake into a golden, flaky crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling below.
Step 7: Bake Your Masterpiece
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the skillet for 12 to 15 minutes. When the crescent rolls turn golden brown and puff up, your dish is ready to come out. This final step transforms the entire dish into a bubbling, golden delight.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow your Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe to cool for just a few minutes so it sets slightly and is easier to serve. Then dig in and prepare for pure comfort with every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or extra Parmesan can add a lovely finishing touch. These little details make your plate look as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or pair this with roasted garlic asparagus for an elegant but easy complement. The brightness of fresh greens contrasts with the creamy pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from a rustic cast iron skillet for a cozy, homey feel. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with a crescent roll triangle for a personal touch. You can even add a drizzle of chili oil if you love a hint of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for an even tastier next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will maintain good quality for up to 2 months, perfect for busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To retain the crescent roll’s flakiness, use a low oven heat and cover loosely with foil so the topping stays golden without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic and flavorful here, you can swap in spicy chorizo, sweet sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
If crescent rolls aren’t handy, puff pastry makes a great alternative for the topping. You could also sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top and bake until golden and crispy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, tofu crumbles, or a plant-based sausage alternative. The broccoli and cheese sauce still shine in a meat-free version.
Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta and flour?
Definitely. Use your preferred gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just check cooking times as gluten-free pastas vary.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For an extra creamy sauce, try adding a splash of heavy cream along with the milk or mix in a bit of cream cheese. Just be careful to adjust seasoning to keep the flavors balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe truly turns simple ingredients into a showstopper dinner. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles, warms hearts, and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. I encourage you to dive into making it soon—it’s a surefire way to impress your family or friends while enjoying something irresistibly tasty and cozy. You’ll love how the flavors all come together in this comforting, cheesy masterpiece!
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Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender pasta tossed with savory Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all topped with flaky golden crescent rolls baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 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
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
Topping
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (or 2 cans for extra topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Cook the sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking and stirring for about 7-8 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the steamed or blanched broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside with the sausage.
- Make the sauce: Still using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps forming. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta, sausage, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta, browned sausage, sautéed broccoli mixture, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well until the cheese melts and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the crescent rolls: Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Lay the individual dough triangles evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the skillet, covering as much surface as possible.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, savoring the cheesy, savory, and comforting goodness of this pasta bake topped with crescent rolls.
Notes
- You can steam or blanch the broccoli ahead of time to save preparation time.
- For extra cheesy topping, use two cans of crescent roll dough instead of one.
- Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for Italian sausage for a leaner option.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta, gluten-free flour, and crescent rolls specifically made without gluten.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness of the crescent rolls.
