If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and a little bit fun, look no further than Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls. This dish is a delightful mashup of creamy pasta, savory sausage, and tender broccoli, all cozied up beneath a golden crown of flaky crescent rolls. It’s got everything you want in a family meal: hearty flavors, irresistible cheese pulls, and a playful presentation that makes everyone want seconds!

Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls lies in its simple, approachable ingredients—each one playing a key role in the final dish. Fresh, colorful veggies, gooey cheeses, and bakery-fresh crescent rolls promise a meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Pasta: Choose penne, rotini, or shells for the perfect bite and a pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: Just a splash helps brown the sausage and brings a subtle richness to the sautéed veggies.
Italian Sausage: Go mild or spicy—either way, the sausage infuses the whole dish with delicious flavor.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or pre-steamed, broccoli adds a pop of green and pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Garlic: Two cloves give a fragrant, savory note that ties everything together.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the cheese sauce, cheddar melts smoothly and adds bold, tangy flavor.
Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce extra creamy and luscious—don’t skip it!
Milk: Loosens the sauce just enough so it coats every bite of pasta.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, letting all the other ingredients shine.
Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: These bring a buttery, flaky contrast and turn the pasta into a show-stopping casserole.
Melted Butter (optional): Brushing the crescent rolls with butter gives them an irresistible golden sheen.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing—this ensures your Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls won’t stick and will lift out easily when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta shape until it’s just al dente. Drain well and set aside; you’ll want the pasta to have a little bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and crumbly—about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped broccoli, letting them cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is a bright green and just tender.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce

Lower the heat and add in the cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar. Stir everything together until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens—the sauce will envelop every piece of sausage and broccoli, creating a luscious, cheesy base.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained pasta right into the skillet with the sausage, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the colors and textures are beautifully combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Assemble with Crescent Rolls

Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange these around the edge of your prepared baking dish, with the points facing outward to create a ring or crust. Spoon the pasta mixture into the center, smoothing it out but leaving the crescent edges exposed. For a charming touch, you can fold the tips of the crescent rolls partially over the pasta.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

If you’d like, brush the crescent rolls with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Slide the whole dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown. Let your Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls cool for a few minutes before serving—it smells amazing, but it’ll taste even better once the flavors settle!

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brings a burst of color and a hint of freshness to each serving. For cheese lovers, a little extra shredded cheddar or a dusting of Parmesan on top is pure bliss. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick for those who like a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. Roasted vegetables or a light tomato soup also round out the meal, balancing the richness of the Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style dinner, serve the casserole right from the baking dish at the table—let everyone scoop their own portion and tear off a crescent roll edge. If you’re feeling fancy, cut individual wedges so each plate gets a perfect crescent crown. For potlucks, bake in a disposable pan for easy transport and cleanup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crescent roll edges may soften, but a quick reheat will bring back some of that flaky texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the crescent rolls don’t get soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 20 minutes. For a crispier crescent topping, uncover the last few minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, though the rolls will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Swap in turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your taste or dietary needs. The flavors adapt well, so feel free to get creative.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they hold onto the cheesy sauce and mix easily with the other ingredients. Avoid long noodles, which can get tangled with the crescent rolls.

Can I make Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure everything is heated through.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian twist on Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls.

How do I keep the crescent rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure the pasta mixture isn’t too watery and that the crescent rolls are arranged on the edges so they bake up crisp. Brushing with melted butter before baking also helps create a golden, flaky crust.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want to treat yourself to something cozy, Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with the creamy, cheesy filling and that irresistible crescent roll crust!

Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta with Crescent Rolls is a comforting one-dish dinner that combines tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce all baked with golden crescent rolls for a crispy, buttery crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for family meals, it offers a delicious balance of protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sausage Mixture

8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cream cheese
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste

Crescent Rolls

1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count)
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5–7 minutes until browned and crumbled.
Add Garlic and Broccoli: Stir in minced garlic and chopped broccoli florets. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
Create Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy sausage and broccoli mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Prepare Crescent Roll Crust: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Arrange these triangles around the edges of the prepared baking dish with the points facing outward, forming a ring or crust shape.
Fill and Fold: Spoon the pasta mixture into the center of the baking dish, spreading it evenly but leaving crescent edges visible. Optionally fold the tips of the crescent dough partially over the filling for added texture.
Brush with Butter: Brush the crescent roll crust with melted butter to help achieve a golden, flavorful crust once baked.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the crescent rolls turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Using pre-steamed broccoli can reduce overall cooking time.
Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or plant-based sausage to fit dietary preferences.
Add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Brush crescent rolls with garlic butter for added flavor.
This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American