Description
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a comforting Italian dish that brings together the tender bite of orecchiette pasta, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant broccoli. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave your family asking for seconds. With its aromatic garlic base and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this hearty meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a fantastic option for family gatherings or casual dinners at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add orecchiette and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Crumble in Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Broccoli: Stir in minced garlic and broccoli florets into the skillet. Cook until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes over the mixture. Toss gently until cheese melts and coats the pasta beautifully.
- Serve Hot: Plate generously and enjoy immediately!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg