Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls

If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and satisfying dinner that combines all the comfort food essentials, this Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is exactly what you need. It’s a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love, featuring cheesy pasta, savory smoked sausage, and tender broccoli, all served with warm, buttery crescent rolls on the side.

This recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward and quick to make, perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into this comforting dish and explore how you can make it, along with some helpful tips and variations to customize it to your taste!

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🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

The Heart of the Dish: Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Pasta

• Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Pasta (2 packages): The base of this dish is Knorr’s Cheddar Broccoli Pasta, a quick and easy side dish that doubles as a main when combined with the other ingredients. It features tender pasta in a rich cheddar sauce with broccoli pieces. Using packaged pasta saves time and adds flavor without the need for additional seasoning.Pro Tip: If you can’t find Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Pasta, you can substitute with any cheesy pasta mix, or even make your own cheddar cheese sauce and add fresh broccoli to cooked pasta.

Savory Goodness: Smoked Sausage

• Beef Smoked Sausage (1 package, sliced): The smoked sausage brings a savory and slightly smoky flavor to the dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. Slicing the sausage into bite-sized pieces ensures that it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta, giving each bite a hearty and flavorful punch.Pro Tip: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage—chicken, turkey, or even spicy Andouille sausage can add a new dimension of flavor to this dish.

A Touch of Freshness: Broccoli Florets

• Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Adding broccoli not only brings a pop of color to the dish but also balances out the richness of the cheese and sausage with a bit of freshness. The broccoli cooks along with the pasta, making it perfectly tender and infused with the cheesy sauce.Pro Tip: If you prefer your broccoli with a bit more bite, steam it separately and add it to the pasta at the end of cooking. You can also substitute with other vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or bell peppers.

Extra Cheesiness: Shredded Cheddar Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): To take the cheesiness to the next level, we add extra shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking. This melts into the pasta, creating an even creamier and more indulgent texture.Pro Tip: You can experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor—sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses can make the dish more interesting.

The Perfect Side: Crescent Rolls

• Crescent Rolls (2 packages): No comfort meal is complete without warm, buttery bread on the side, and crescent rolls are the perfect accompaniment. They are easy to prepare and bake while you’re cooking the pasta, so everything comes together at the same time.Pro Tip: Want to elevate your crescent rolls? Try brushing them with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder and parmesan before baking for a delicious garlic bread twist.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Crescent Rolls

The first step is to get the crescent rolls in the oven so they’re ready to serve alongside the pasta. Crescent rolls add that extra buttery and flaky texture that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

• Preheat oven and bake crescent rolls according to package instructions: Follow the instructions on the package to bake the crescent rolls. They usually bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. While they’re baking, you can start on the pasta and sausage.Pro Tip: If you want to keep the crescent rolls warm while you finish the rest of the dish, cover them with a clean kitchen towel after baking to retain the heat.

2. Cook the Smoked Sausage

The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish, and browning it in the pan gives it a nice crispy texture that contrasts well with the creamy pasta.

• In a large pan, brown sausage slices over medium heat, then set aside: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced sausage. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.Pro Tip: Browning the sausage in the same pan that you’ll use for the pasta helps build flavor. The browned bits left in the pan will add depth to the sauce.

3. Cook the Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Pasta

Now it’s time to prepare the pasta. The Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Pasta comes together quickly and will absorb all the flavors from the sausage and broccoli, creating a cohesive dish.

• In the same pan, cook both packages of Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Pasta according to the package directions: Add water, milk, and butter to the pan as directed on the Knorr package. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.Pro Tip: Using the same pan that you browned the sausage in allows the pasta to pick up those flavorful bits left behind from the sausage, making the dish even tastier.

4. Add the Broccoli

Adding broccoli to the pasta not only makes the dish more nutritious but also adds a nice texture contrast to the soft pasta and sausage.

• When the liquid begins to boil, add broccoli and continue cooking as directed: Once the liquid for the pasta starts to boil, toss in the broccoli florets. The broccoli will cook along with the pasta, becoming tender but still maintaining a bit of bite.Pro Tip: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe. If using frozen, just add it directly to the pan without thawing, and it will cook perfectly by the time the pasta is done.

5. Combine Everything

Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together and add that final cheesy touch.

• Once the pasta is cooked, mix in the sausage and shredded cheddar cheese: Return the browned sausage to the pan with the cooked pasta and broccoli. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.Pro Tip: If you love extra cheesy pasta, feel free to add more shredded cheese or even a splash of cream for added richness.

6. Serve Hot with Crescent Rolls

The final step is to serve up this hearty and comforting dish with your warm crescent rolls on the side.

• Serve hot with crescent rolls on the side: Once everything is mixed together and the cheese is melted, dish up the pasta and serve it with the freshly baked crescent rolls. The combination of creamy pasta and buttery crescent rolls is pure comfort food heaven.Pro Tip: For a fun twist, you can serve the pasta inside the crescent rolls as little hand-held wraps for an on-the-go version of this dish!

🛠️ Customizations and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, try using a spicy sausage like Andouille or adding red pepper flakes to the pasta while it cooks.
2. Veggie-Packed: Add more vegetables to the dish for extra nutrition. Bell peppers, spinach, or peas would be great additions that complement the cheesy pasta.
3. Low-Carb Option: If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, you can swap the pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles while keeping all the other delicious elements.
4. Meat Alternatives: For a lighter version, use chicken sausage or even plant-based sausage alternatives to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
5. Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would add a fun twist to the dish.

🔥 Tips for Success

1. Cook the Sausage First: Browning the sausage before cooking the pasta not only adds flavor but also creates a better texture. The browned bits left in the pan add depth to the dish, so be sure not to skip this step.
2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Adding the broccoli when the liquid begins to boil ensures that it cooks just until tender without becoming mushy. If you like your broccoli with more crunch, you can steam it separately and add it to the dish at the end.
3. Customize Your Crescent Rolls: Crescent rolls are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by brushing them with melted butter and garlic or even stuffing them with cheese before baking.
4. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking while the cheese is still melted and gooey. Crescent rolls are also at their best when they’re warm from the oven, so try to time everything to finish around the same time.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines comforting flavors with easy preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

With its combination of savory smoked sausage, cheesy pasta, and tender