Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound orecchiette
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
divided
- 1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage
removed from casings
- 3 garlic cloves
minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions.
- 2
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium high heat. Crumble the sausage into the skillet and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic; cook for 1 minute more.
- 3
Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil, chicken broth, broccoli, salt and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful brown bits, until the broccoli is tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted and simmer for a few minutes to reduce and concentrate the sauce.
- 4
Drain the pasta well and place back in the pasta pot. Add the sausage and broccoli mixture, along with half of the cheese, and toss to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls and pass the remaining grated cheese at the table.
- 5
Freezer-Friendly Instructions: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated on the stovetop. If the dish has dried out a bit in the freezer, add a little water or broth while reheating. Just take care only to reheat it and not continue to cook it.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, satisfying pasta dish that pleases everyone, even the picky eaters? This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli comes together in just 30 minutes, delivering robust flavors that make it a family favorite.
What makes this dish a standout is the perfect marriage of savory Italian sausage with tender-crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a rich, garlicky olive oil sauce. It's a testament to how simple ingredients, when balanced just right, create something truly irresistible—and yes, everyone gobbles up the broccoli!
You'll be greeted with a comforting aroma as this dish comes together quickly. Expect chewy orecchiette pasta, perfectly sized to scoop up bits of flavorful sausage and tender broccoli. The sauce, built on fragrant garlic, rich olive oil, and a touch of butter, is subtly brightened by chicken broth and finished with nutty Pecorino Romano, offering a deeply satisfying and balanced meal. The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth without being overpowering.
Easily tailor this pasta to your taste: choose sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor or spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and consider adding cannellini beans or extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or spinach. Don't have Pecorino Romano? Grated Parmesan works beautifully too, offering a similar salty, savory finish.
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it warm, perhaps with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.