Description
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a hearty Italian dish that combines tender ear-shaped pasta, savory sausage, and vibrant broccoli, all drizzled in rich olive oil. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. With its simple preparation and delightful taste, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a go-to favorite among families. Enjoy it hot or cold as a refreshing pasta salad!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Chop broccoli into small florets and slice garlic thinly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add orecchiette and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage until browned.
- Add Garlic and Broccoli: Stir in garlic, then add broccoli after one minute. Cook until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Drain orecchiette (reserve some pasta water) and mix it into the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg