Cheesy Penne with Broccoli and Chicken Sausage
This Cheesy Penne with Broccoli and Chicken Sausage makes a great quick and easy meal. I’ve made it twice in a two week time period, and I can’t get over how simple it is to throw together. Not only that, but it tastes great and is even fairly nutritious! I love any type of cheesy pasta, and the homemade cheese sauce in this dish is light and full of flavor. Add in some broccoli and chicken sausage and you’ve got a complete meal that your whole family will love. As an added bonus, the reheated leftovers taste great as well! Enjoy 🙂
Cheesy Penne with Broccoli and Chicken Sausage
Ingredients:
8 ounces uncooked mini penne pasta
5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
2 links chicken sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/3 cups milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the pot. Drain and place pasta and broccoli in a large bowl.
Meanwhile, lightly coat a small saucepan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook the chicken sausage pieces, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. Add to the bowl with the pasta and broccoli.
In a medium sized saucepan, combine the milk and flour, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Add 3 tablespoons Parmesan and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add cheese mixture to pasta mixture; toss. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve immediately.
adapted from Cooking Light
Welcome! I'm Megan and it's my hope that here you'll find food that has been made with love and recipes that are shared with joy. Thanks for stopping by! 
I love simple pasta dishes like this one, Megan. And we always have chicken sausage in the fridge. I think I might have this for lunch today!
This looks like a great spring pasta dish. I love chicken sausage and broccoli, so having them in a cheesy sauce sounds even more appealing!
This sounds delicious! My family loves chicken sausage. And broccoli and pasta for that matter! Sounds like a win in my book!
another fantastic meal idea from you Megan. I love chicken sausage and finding new ways to use it. 🙂
I love dishes that make great tasting leftovers!
This looks fantastic!