Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
This hearty dish combines the earthy flavors of broccoli with savory Italian sausage, all brought together with al dente orecchiette pasta. It's a comforting meal that's both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 large serving bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet or spicy, according to preference
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté, mixing well. Cook for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined.
- Serve immediately in a large bowl and top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a healthier option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork.
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, based on your preference.
This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated. It also freezes well for a quick meal later on.