Dump and Go Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Name: Dump and Go Sausage and Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: cooking spray, for greasing; 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces; 7.5 oz garden vegetable cream cheese; 16 oz penne pasta, uncooked; 12 oz frozen broccoli florets; 48 oz chicken broth; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

This dump-and-go sausage and broccoli pasta combines six simple ingredients in a single pot for a creamy, cheesy weeknight dinner that requires no prep work.

🌍American 🏷️Sausage pasta 🏷️Broccoli pasta 🏷️Dump and go 🏷️One-pot Pasta

🏷️

🏷️Sausage

-0:00

alicia_curleyonTikTok

Total

3h 5m

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by alicia_curley

-0:00

alicia_curleyonTikTok

Ingredients

cooking spray, for greasing
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
7.5 oz garden vegetable cream cheese
16 oz penne pasta, uncooked
12 oz frozen broccoli florets
48 oz chicken broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

7 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
2
Add the sliced sausage to the slow cooker.
3
Add the garden vegetable cream cheese.
4
Add the uncooked penne pasta.
5
Add the frozen broccoli florets.
6
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all the ingredients are covered so the pasta cooks properly.
7
Stir everything together to combine.
8
Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours, until the pasta is tender.
9
Once cooked, give everything a good stir.
10
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until it's melted and combined.
11
Serve immediately and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces before adding to ensure even cooking and better distribution throughout the pasta.
Use the full 48 oz of chicken broth as written; the pasta absorbs liquid while cooking and needs adequate broth to reach creamy consistency without drying out.
Stir the pot occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even cooking of all ingredients.
Add cream cheese in chunks rather than trying to spread it; it melts into the broth and coats the pasta evenly.

Substitutions

Smoked sausage → Italian sausage or chicken sausage (flavor will differ; brown before adding)
Garden vegetable cream cheese → plain cream cheese (omit vegetables; result will be less colorful)
Mozzarella cheese → Parmesan or cheddar (adjust to taste; mozzarella provides mild, creamy finish)
Frozen broccoli → fresh broccoli florets (add in final 5 minutes to prevent overcooking)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, but add fresh broccoli florets in the last 5 minutes of cooking so they don't become mushy. Frozen broccoli is designed to cook through quickly in this one-pot method.

What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage is ideal and cooks through quickly without additional browning. Italian or chicken sausage can substitute, though smoked varieties maintain the best texture.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before cooking for best results. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

What if the pasta seems dry while cooking?

The broth should cover the pasta. If liquid evaporates too quickly, add more chicken broth in 1/2-cup increments. Cooking time may vary based on stovetop heat.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Any short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, fusilli) works well and cooks in similar time. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which doesn't distribute evenly in one pot.