Description
A delightful recipe for Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli, combining pasta, sausage, and fresh broccoli in a savory dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli, Italian pasta recipe