Italian Sausage & Broccoli Garlic Pasta-Style Stir-Fry

Time

25 minutes

Serves

4

Cuisine

Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed if using links
• 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 8 oz short pasta such as penne or rotini (optional, see step 1)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, skip for kids)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   If using pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss the broccoli florets into the same pot to blanch. Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain everything together and set aside. If skipping pasta, simply steam or blanch the broccoli in a little water for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, then drain.

2. 2

   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Transfer the sausage to a plate and leave any rendered fat in the pan.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and just turning golden. Be careful not to let it burn.

4. 4

   Add the broccoli (and pasta if using) to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to coat in the garlicky oil. Pour in the chicken broth or water (use the reserved pasta water if you have it) and sprinkle in the oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 2 minutes so the broccoli picks up all the flavor.

5. 5

   Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the butter and toss everything together until the butter melts and coats the mixture in a light, glossy sauce. Remove the pan from the heat.

6. 6

   Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and the lemon juice or zest if using. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

7. 7

   Divide among four bowls or plates. Top with extra Parmesan and serve right away. This is a great one to put in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in.