Broccolini With Sausage For One

Craving something that’s both nourishing and quick to whip up? This Broccolini with Sausage recipe is just the ticket. Combining the tender, slightly sweet stalks of broccolini with the hearty, smoky flavor of sausage, this dish is a match made in heaven. Tossed with garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. When you’re cooking for one and looking for an easy dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe delivers.

Why This Recipe Works

• Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes – perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe keeps shopping and prep work to a minimum.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning cleanup is a breeze.
• Balanced Meal: This dish strikes a delightful balance between lean greens and satisfying protein.
• Adaptable Heat: You can adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, making it as mild or as zesty as you like.

What Is Broccolini?

Broccolini, often called baby broccoli, is a tender and slender relative of the common broccoli, recognized by its smaller florets and long, thin stalks. This cross between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli offers a milder, slightly sweet, and subtly peppery taste. It’s packed with vitamins C, K, and A, and is a good source of fiber and iron, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Its delicate form makes broccolini versatile in the kitchen, perfect for quick-cooking techniques like sautéing, steaming, roasting, or even grilling, which we take advantage of in this recipe. If you can’t find broccolini, don’t worry—regular broccoli can be used instead, just cut it into smaller pieces for a similar effect

Ingredient Notes

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this broccolini recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Broccolini: Loved for its convenience and minimal waste, broccolini is a dream to prepare – just a quick trim of the stems, and it’s ready to cook. It’s a perfect pick for those who value both ease and nutrition. If broccolini is hard to find, regular broccoli or Chinese broccoli can be used instead.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A staple in my kitchen and a star in this broccolini dish, extra virgin olive oil is celebrated for its pure, unrefined quality and rich, authentic flavor, which enhances any recipe it’s added to. Not to mention, it’s a healthier fat option loaded with natural vitamins and minerals. If a milder taste is preferred, a light olive oil can be substituted while still reaping the health benefits.
• Smoked Sausage: Your choice of sausage can transform this dish, with options ranging from Italian for an herby touch, spicy for heat seekers, or chicken for a lighter fare. Vegetarians aren’t left out – there are excellent plant-based sausages that are just as flavorful and satisfying.
• Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: A single clove of garlic brings a rich, aromatic depth, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes introduces a kick that can be adjusted to your heat tolerance. Skip the flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
• Lemon Juice: The zing of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, but if convenience calls, bottled lemon juice can suffice.
• Parmesan Cheese: A final flourish of Parmesan cheese lends a savory note that pulls the whole dish together.

How To Make This Recipe

Cooking Broccolini

1. Start by blanching the broccolini. Boil it in salted water for two minutes, then drain and cool it off immediately under cold tap water to stop the cooking process. This technique keeps the broccolini vibrant and slightly crunchy.

Making Broccolini With Sausage

For the full list of ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

I typically use 3.5 ounces (or roughly 3/4 cup when sliced) of smoked sausage for this dish.

1. Begin by sautéing the sausage in a splash of olive oil. Add sliced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor.
2. Mix in the blanched broccolini, letting it warm up with the aromatic sausage and garlic.
3. Once everything is thoroughly heated, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.

This simple and delicious meal comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Serving Suggestions

This Broccolini with Sausage dish can be enjoyed as a meal on its own, thanks to its balance of vegetables and protein. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it with a side of quinoa, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

• Smoked sausage: Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice
• Broccolini: Use in place of broccoli in any of these recipes: Broccoli Cheese Soup, Cashew Chicken, Italian Pasta Salad