Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a dish that brings together the earthy flavors of sausage, the vibrant green of broccoli, and the delightful bite of orecchiette pasta, creating an explosion of taste in every forkful. broccoli and beef dish Imagine the comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table for a hearty meal that warms both body and soul. beef enchilada casserole.
This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we shared stories over steaming bowls. Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is perfect for cozy weeknights or festive occasions, promising an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave you craving more. quick chicken sausage meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The harmonious blend of flavors creates a satisfying meal everyone will love
- Its charming appearance makes it great for entertaining guests, while its versatility allows you to mix in any seasonal veggies
Sharing this dish with my friends led to cheers and requests for seconds—they couldn’t get enough of it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Orecchiette Pasta: These small, ear-shaped pasta pieces hold sauce beautifully; look for fresh or dried varieties.
- Italian Sausage: Choose sweet or spicy sausage based on your taste preference; remove casings before cooking.
For the Vegetables:
- Fresh Broccoli: Select firm broccoli florets; they should be bright green and free from yellowing.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add pungent flavor; use whole cloves for roasting or minced for sautéing. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds just the right kick; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances flavor; opt for freshly grated for the best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add orecchiette and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
Add Garlic and Broccoli: Stir in minced garlic and chopped broccoli florets into the skillet with sausage. Cook until broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Enjoy the fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add drained orecchiette to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently until well combined. This helps create a creamy sauce without heavy cream.
Season It Up!: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout every bite.
Serve with Cheese!: Serve hot topped with generous shavings of Parmesan cheese. The melty cheese adds richness while balancing out the savory sausage flavors perfectly.
Enjoy your homemade Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli! Each bite captures comfort food at its finest—perfect for sharing or savoring alone after a long day! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Bangers and Mash recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli dish combines hearty flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser
- The earthy taste of broccoli complements the savory sausage perfectly
- Plus, the unique ear-shaped pasta holds sauce like a pro, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the sausage until browned. Meanwhile, boil your orecchiette; add the broccoli in the last few minutes. This way, everything finishes at the same time and maintains that perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or kale if you prefer. Adding red pepper flakes can give your dish an unexpected kick! Experimenting with different cheeses also brings new dimensions to this classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture without losing flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor enhancement
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crunchy
- Always taste your dish before serving; seasoning can make all the difference!
Cooking this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli always reminds me of my cousin’s wedding—everyone raved about how delicious it was! I’ll never forget that day filled with laughter and good food.
FAQ
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works well as lighter alternatives. easy chicken sausage recipe.
What if I don’t have orecchiette?
Penne or fusilli are great substitutes and will still hold onto that tasty sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply skip the sausage and add more veggies or chickpeas for protein!
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a comforting Italian dish that combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with tender broccoli and delightful orecchiette pasta. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, offering a satisfying explosion of flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a dish that brings family and friends together around the table, making it an instant favorite for all occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add orecchiette, and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook crumbled Italian sausage until browned (about 5-7 minutes), stirring frequently.
- Stir in minced garlic and broccoli florets; cook until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add drained orecchiette to the skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water; toss until well combined.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; stir to distribute evenly.
- Top with generous shavings of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
