There is something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines creamy cheese, savory sausage, and vibrant broccoli all baked under a golden crust of buttery crescent roll dough. The Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Roll Topping Recipe brings together these flavors and textures in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that turns simple ingredients into a delightful family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry group with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an important role in making this dish sing. From the hearty Italian sausage to the fresh broccoli and the creamy cheeses, every element adds a layer of flavor, texture, and color that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Sturdy pasta shapes that hold the sauce beautifully and give a pleasant bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the sausage and sautéing aromatics, adding richness without heaviness.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk): The star protein with tons of savory flavor; make sure it’s out of its casing for easy cooking and mixing.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed with garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that brightens the sausage and vegetable mix.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched): A vibrant green veggie that adds crunch, color, and nutrition.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor to deepen the cheesy profile.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used to make a silky roux for the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without clumping.
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Provides the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Lends an herbal note that complements the sausage and cheese.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough: The crowning glory that bakes into a flaky, buttery topping—feel free to double it for an even more indulgent crust.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Roll Topping Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a little bit of a bite to hold up well under the sauce and toppings. Drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage and break it up with the back of a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside—this will prevent overcooking while you prepare the veggies and sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Broccoli
In that same skillet with all those delicious sausage drippings, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them just until they become soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add your steamed or blanched broccoli florets and cook them for another couple of minutes to warm through without losing their vibrant crunch. Set this mixture aside alongside the sausage.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Time for the sauce that ties everything together. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat and stir in the flour to make a roux—cook it for about a minute until it smells nutty but not browned. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form, then continue cooking and whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to bring that herby, savory depth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sausage, Broccoli, and Cheese
Return the cooked pasta, sausage, and broccoli mixture to the skillet with your sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and gently fold everything together over low heat until the cheese melts and the dish becomes creamy and inviting. Then remove the skillet from the heat—your hearty filling is ready.
Step 6: Prepare Crescent Roll Topping
Open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto the top of your pasta mixture in the skillet. Lay the individual triangles over the surface, covering as much of the filling as possible. This dough will bake up into a flaky, golden topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta beneath.
Step 7: Bake until Golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent roll topping puffs up and turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final step seals all those delicious ingredients inside and creates that show-stopping crust you’ll love breaking into.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Before digging in, let the dish cool for a few minutes—you want the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Then scoop generous portions onto plates and get ready to savor all the cheesy, sausagey goodness packed with broccoli and wrapped in a flaky crescent roll crust.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Roll Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over each serving for that fresh pop of color and subtle herbal note. A little extra grated Parmesan on top delights the cheese lovers and adds a salty finish.
Side Dishes
This filling, cheesy main pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds freshness. You could also serve some roasted garlic bread to double down on buttery, toasty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve this pasta bake family-style right out of the skillet for a rustic charm. Or portion it into individual ramekins topped with crescent dough for darling personal casseroles perfect for special dinners or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store any leftover Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Roll Topping Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the crescent roll topping. Assemble the pasta, sausage, broccoli, and cheese mixture, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and add fresh crescent rolls before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the topping (if still intact) is crisp again. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out or overcooking the crescent dough.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings great flavor, you can substitute with breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust seasonings accordingly.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli directly?
It’s best to steam or blanch frozen broccoli before adding it to the dish to avoid excess water making the pasta sauce watery. Properly cooked broccoli retains its texture and vibrant color.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
No worries! You can swap in puff pastry dough or even biscuit dough for a different but equally delicious topping. Just watch baking times as they might vary slightly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the sauce. Make sure your crescent roll dough is gluten-free or use a gluten-free pastry alternative.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends mostly on your choice of sausage. Mild Italian sausage will keep it gentle, but you could use spicy sausage for some kick. You can also add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you want extra heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor and topped with a beautifully flaky crust, the Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Roll Topping Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough to impress guests, making it a real winner in my book. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a family favorite you’ll keep making again and again.
Print
Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Roll Topping 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 hearty and comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all topped with golden, flaky crescent rolls baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner that brings together the best of pasta and a savory baked crust.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage Mixture
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk, not in casings)
- 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: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the steamed broccoli and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside with the sausage.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, sausage, broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Crescent Roll Topping: Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough. Lay the individual triangles of dough over the top of the pasta mixture in the skillet, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the skillet for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!
Notes
- You can steam or blanch the broccoli ahead of time to save preparation time.
- Italian sausage can be spicy or mild depending on your preference; choose accordingly.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce or 2% milk for a lighter version.
- To add extra veggies, consider mixing in mushrooms or bell peppers during the sauté step.
- If you want a crispier topping, use two cans of crescent roll dough.
- Make sure the crescent rolls are fully sealed to prevent leakage of the pasta mixture while baking.
