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
Scale
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.
