Masters of kitchen
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for that perfect easy weeknight pasta dish—something satisfying, flavorful, and quick to make after a long day. That’s exactly why this One Pan Sausage, Broccolini & Pesto Pasta has become a staple in our household. It’s a one skillet dinner that hits all the right notes: hearty, colorful, and crave-worthy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything comes together in a single pan—from browning the sausage to cooking the pasta and greens—so cleanup is blissfully minimal. That means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
The flavor is anything but basic. The savory sausage brings depth, while the vibrant broccolini adds a fresh, peppery bite. Stir in some herby pesto at the end, and you’ve got a flavorful one pot meal that tastes like it came from a cozy trattoria.
Trust me, once you try this quick sausage broccolini pasta, it’ll become your go-to for those nights when you want something special—without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Why This Pesto Pasta with Sausage & Broccolini Tastes So Amazing
This dish delivers a perfect trifecta: bold flavor, balanced texture, and nutritional goodness.
The Italian chicken sausage brings a savory, slightly spiced bite that pairs beautifully with the peppery greens of the broccolini. When cooked just right, the al dente pasta soaks up the sausage’s flavor and binds it all together with a lush coating of herby pesto.
Not only is this pasta dish satisfying, but it’s also surprisingly wholesome. Broccolini adds fiber, vitamins A and C, and a touch of green crunch. The sausage contributes protein, and pesto supplies heart-healthy fats. Whether you’re feeding active kids, hungry teens, or fueling up for a busy week, this is a nutritious one-pot meal that covers all the bases.
Plus, with just one pan and a handful of ingredients, it fits seamlessly into low-fuss meal planning—especially for those who want a pesto pasta dish that’s both cozy and clever.
Best Ingredients for One Skillet Sausage & Broccolini Pesto Pasta
Quality ingredients make a world of difference in a simple dish like this.
Start with your sausage of choice. Spicy Italian sausage adds heat and depth, while sweet sausage gives a milder, more savory profile. For a lighter option, try chicken or turkey sausage—they still pack flavor without weighing you down.
Next, let’s talk greens. While you can use regular broccoli in a pinch, broccolini offers a milder, slightly sweeter flavor and a more tender texture, especially in a quick sauté. If you’re wondering what is broccolini, it’s a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale—thin-stemmed and fast-cooking.
Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well—penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully with pesto and bits of sausage.
As for the pesto, store-bought is fine (we all need shortcuts!), but if you’ve got a homemade batch of easy pesto sauce on hand, it’ll elevate this dish to the next level.
Easy Ways to Customize This Sausage and Green Pesto Pasta
The real magic of this recipe? It’s endlessly customizable to fit your taste, diet, and what’s in your fridge.
If broccolini isn’t available, swap in kale, baby spinach, or even asparagus—just adjust the cook time to keep the veggies crisp-tender. These greens still deliver that fresh contrast to the sausage and pasta, keeping things light and colorful.
Want to make it vegetarian? Go with meaty portobello mushrooms, hearty chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based sausage. The pesto still brings plenty of flavor, and you won’t miss the meat one bit.
Gluten-free? Choose a sturdy gluten-free penne or fusilli. Just watch the cook time and stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
You can even switch up the sauce. Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper, slightly sweet twist, or go bold with red pepper pesto for a little kick.
This is one of those customizable pasta recipes you’ll come back to again and again—because no matter how you tweak it, it always delivers comfort, convenience, and full-on flavor.
Simple Tools for Making One Pot Sausage Pesto Pasta
No fancy gadgets or tools here—just good basics.
You’ll want a large non-stick skillet or sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid. It needs to be roomy enough to cook the sausage, toss in the greens, and simmer the pasta all in one go.
A wooden spoon or spatula helps with browning and stirring, and a pair of kitchen tongs makes it easy to lift and toss ingredients as you go.
That’s it. This recipe is all about keeping things simple—from your ingredient list to your cleanup routine.
Quick Recipe Snapshot: How It Comes Together
This one-pan wonder comes together in just five steps:
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Brown the sausage in your skillet until golden and crispy.
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Add the broccolini, cooking until it’s just tender and vibrant.
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Stir in the dry pasta and add water or broth to simmer.
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Cover and cook, letting the pasta absorb all the flavor as it softens.
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Finish with pesto, folding everything together into a glossy, herby sauce.
From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, this is a one pan, no fuss, full-flavor dinner that you’ll make on repeat.
Step-by-Step: How to Make One Pan Sausage, Broccolini & Pesto Pasta
If you’re new to one skillet pasta dinners, you’ll love how simple this method is. Here’s exactly how to make it from start to finish:
1. Brown the sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (casings removed, if needed) and cook until golden brown, breaking it into crumbles. This is where the flavor foundation begins—the little browned bits are pure gold.
2. Add chopped broccolini
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the broccolini. Chop it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until it starts to soften and turn vibrant green.
3. Stir in pasta and liquid
Add your dry pasta directly to the pan, followed by just enough water or broth to cover it (about 2½ to 3 cups, depending on your pasta shape). Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover and cook
Pop a lid on and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in pesto
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the pesto. If it seems thick or dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat everything evenly.
Optional Toppings: Add a finishing touch with grated parmesan, lemon zest, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Pro Tip: Always reserve a little pasta water before draining—it’s the secret to silky, restaurant-style sauce.
This is a pesto pasta with sausage you’ll want to make on repeat—an easy dinner recipe with broccolini that’s as fast as it is flavorful.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This pasta holds up beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Storage:
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to life and keep the pasta from drying out.
Make-ahead tips:
If you want to get a head start, you can pre-cook the sausage and chop the broccolini ahead of time. That way, when dinner time rolls around, you’re just tossing it all into the pan.
This is one of those meal prep sausage pasta recipes that’s easy to batch cook—and it tastes just as delicious the next day. Need ideas for how to reheat pesto pasta without losing flavor? The key is adding moisture and stirring gently.
No waste, no stress—just another reason to love leftover pasta recipes like this one.
What to Serve with This Pasta Dish
While this one pan pesto pasta is a full meal on its own, a few simple sides can take it to the next level.
Garlic bread
You can’t go wrong with crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette to soak up every bit of sauce.
Light arugula salad
A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the sausage and pesto. Add shaved parmesan and a few cherry tomatoes for extra brightness.
Roasted cherry tomatoes
Want more veggies on the table? Toss some cherry tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until they burst and caramelize. Their sweetness complements the savory pasta perfectly.
These easy pasta sides bring balance, color, and flavor to the plate. If you’ve ever wondered what goes with pesto pasta, this trio checks all the boxes—simple, fresh, and utterly delicious.
Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own
This is one of those easy pasta variations you can personalize to match your mood or pantry staples.
Spicy version
Craving heat? Use hot Italian sausage and toss in chili flakes or a diced red chili when cooking the sausage. It adds a warm kick without overpowering the pesto.
Creamy version
Make it extra indulgent with a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese stirred in at the end. This creates a velvety texture and turns it into a comforting, creamy pesto pasta dream.
Lemony twist
Brighten things up by stirring in a little lemon zest and juice with the pesto. It brings a fresh, zingy lift—especially nice in spring and summer. This lemon broccolini pasta variation is a real crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy upgrade
Top the finished dish with fresh mozzarella pearls or parmesan crisps for added richness and texture.
No matter how you mix it up, these tweaks keep the core of the dish intact while letting you enjoy a spicy pesto sausage pasta one day, a lemony vegetarian version the next. Versatility is the secret ingredient.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s also nutritionally balanced.
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Protein from sausage makes it filling and energizing.
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Broccolini delivers a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
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Pesto brings in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, along with fresh herbs that support digestion.
It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy—especially when using lighter sausage or adjusting portions of pasta. Whether you’re watching macros or just want to eat more greens, this meal strikes a great balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?
Absolutely! Just cut it into small florets and consider blanching it briefly before adding it to the pan, as broccoli takes a bit longer to cook than broccolini.
What’s the best pasta for pesto sauces?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best. They hold onto the pesto beautifully and mix well with sausage and greens.
Can I freeze this one-pan pasta dish?
While technically possible, pesto can lose its vibrant flavor and color in the freezer. If you do freeze it, thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth.
How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free pesto to make it vegan. Mushrooms or chickpeas also work great as hearty, meatless alternatives.
Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but watch the cook time and stir more frequently to avoid sticking. It’s an easy switch for those with dietary needs.
More Pasta Recipes to Try
Looking for more delicious and creative pasta dishes? Try these reader favorites:
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Rasta Pasta Recipe – A creamy, spicy Caribbean-inspired pasta loaded with bell peppers and jerk-seasoned chicken or shrimp.
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BLT Pasta Salad – A fresh and satisfying cold pasta salad packed with crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy mayo-based dressing.
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Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta – A one-pot vegetarian favorite that’s rich, earthy, and loaded with flavor.
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Pizza Stuffed Pasta Shells – Jumbo shells filled with marinara, cheese, and pepperoni—perfect for weeknight comfort.
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Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Creamy, cheesy, and made in minutes with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta – Spicy, creamy, and absolutely addictive—perfect for game day or a weeknight twist.
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Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage – Bold flavors, creamy sauce, and smoky sausage come together in this Southern-inspired classic.
One Pan Sausage, Broccolini & Pesto Pasta
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Kitchen tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian chicken sausage casings removed
- 1 bunch broccolini chopped
- 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2½ –3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅓ cup pesto store-bought or homemade
- Optional toppings: grated parmesan lemon zest, red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil if needed for cooking
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Stir in chopped broccolini and sauté for 2–3 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender.
- Add pasta and water or broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off heat and stir in pesto. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season to taste and serve with optional toppings like parmesan or lemon zest.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly version.
- To make it vegetarian, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe Again and Again
This One Pan Sausage, Broccolini & Pesto Pasta is everything a good dinner should be: fast, flavor-packed, and easy to clean up. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for a quick Tuesday night as it does for a cozy Sunday meal.
Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable and reheats like a dream—making it perfect for meal prep, busy families, or anyone craving something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it ends up in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s a keeper.