Description
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a delightful Italian dish that brings together savory Italian sausage and vibrant broccoli. This hearty pasta recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The orecchiette pasta, shaped like small ears, perfectly captures the rich flavors of the dish, enhanced by a light sauce of olive oil, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. With its comforting taste and nutritious ingredients, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16-ounce) box orecchiette pasta
- 19 ounces Italian sausage
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: lemon juice and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (removed from casings) along with salt and pepper. Cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and seasonings; cook until fragrant.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette according to package instructions for al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
- To the sausage pan, add broccoli, remaining olive oil, and chicken broth. Cook until broccoli is tender (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in butter until melted.
- Toss in drained orecchiette with Parmesan cheese; add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve immediately with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. For a healthier option, substitute turkey sausage or increase broccoli quantity.