Broccoli And Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
This Broccoli and Sausage Rigatoni recipe combines tender rigatoni pasta with a vibrant green broccoli sauce, savory sausage, and Pecorino Romano for a quick, flavorful Italian meal. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy, chef Michael Bonacini shows how simple ingredients can be transformed into a rich, comforting pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner, family meal, or casual entertaining.
The Inspiration
Pasta dishes that incorporate vegetables and sausage are a staple of Italian home cooking, especially in southern and central Italy, where seasonal ingredients are celebrated for their freshness and flavor. In this recipe, broccoli is transformed into a smooth, pesto-like sauce that clings beautifully to rigatoni, while the sausage adds depth and savory richness.
Chef Michael Bonacini highlights on Bonacini’s Italy how the combination of textures—creamy broccoli, firm pasta, and crispy-browned sausage—creates a satisfying dish that is simple to prepare yet full of flavor. Using Pecorino Romano elevates the pasta with its salty, nutty notes, making this a comforting dish that feels both rustic and refined. It’s a perfect example of Italian cuisine’s philosophy: high-quality ingredients combined with straightforward techniques yield extraordinary results.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (710 ml) broccoli, cut into florets, stems removed
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, divided
- Salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ teaspoon (3.75 ml) crushed red pepper
- 8 ounces (227 grams) spicy or mild sausage, removed from casings and crumbled
- 10 ounces (283 grams) rigatoni
- ½ cup (120 ml) Pecorino Romano, plus more for garnish
Method
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook broccoli until very tender, about 10 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove broccoli to a large bowl or another pot, reserving cooking water in the pot.
- To the broccoli, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil and blitz with an immersion blender, adding some cooking water as you go, until sauce is smooth and bright green. Season the broccoli puree with salt and set aside.
- In a large pan with high sides set over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper and sizzle 1 minute, until aromatic.
- Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 6-7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring the remaining broccoli water back up to a boil, then add rigatoni and cook until al dente, 6-7 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of cooking water.
- In the pan with the sausage, add the pasta, broccoli puree, pecorino, and the reserved cooking water, toss to combine, and heat through, stirring, until a sauce has formed.
- Serve immediately sprinkled with a generous amount of pecorino.
- Buon Appetito!
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli and Sausage Rigatoni is best served hot and fresh, with the creamy broccoli sauce coating each rigatoni perfectly. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A glass of Italian white wine, such as Verdicchio or Pinot Grigio, enhances the freshness of the broccoli and complements the savory sausage. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic bread or focaccia to soak up any extra sauce. This pasta also works well for casual dinner parties or family gatherings, as it’s both easy to prepare and visually appealing with its vibrant green color and rustic sausage crumbles.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli and Sausage Rigatoni recipe is a celebration of Italian home cooking—simple ingredients elevated through technique and balance. The smooth broccoli sauce adds color and creaminess without the need for heavy cream, while the sausage contributes a savory punch that makes the dish satisfying and flavorful.
Chef Michael Bonacini’s approach on Bonacini’s Italy emphasizes the importance of texture, seasoning, and timing. Each component—the pasta, sauce, and sausage—is prepared with care to create a dish that is cohesive, comforting, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy meal for family, or entertaining friends, this rigatoni delivers the perfect combination of creaminess, spice, and fresh vegetable flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to different dietary preferences, while still capturing the essence of Italian cuisine: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and straightforward techniques that yield an unforgettable meal.