Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
This delightful Italian dish features orecchiette pasta paired with savory sausage and vibrant broccoli. The ingredients come together in a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for any dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large skillet or frying pan
- 1 colander for draining pasta
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet or spicy, your choice
- 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- ΒΌ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- to taste red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Once done, drain in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the drained orecchiette and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and toss again to incorporate. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Divide the orecchiette with sausage and broccoli among four serving plates. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to use other vegetables such as spinach or kale if you prefer.
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream when combining all the ingredients.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.