The moment you take a bite of Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli, you’re greeted by a delightful explosion of flavors. The chewy pasta hugs savory sausage, while the tender broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients. Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta It’s like a dance party for your taste buds, where every bite is an invitation to join in on the fun. Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
This dish is more than just food; it’s a warm hug from your kitchen. Picture this: a chilly Sunday afternoon, the aroma wafting through your home as you stir the pot—a perfect moment for family and friends to gather around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and maybe even an embarrassing childhood memory or two. For more inspiration, check out this cozy pumpkin soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This dish is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings. Each ingredient complements the others beautifully, creating a flavor harmony that’s hard to resist. The vibrant green of broccoli against the golden pasta makes it visually appealing. Perfect for customizing with your favorite ingredients or leftovers! [/info_box]
One time I made this recipe for a dinner party, and my friend declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” I think she might have been exaggerating, but hey—who doesn’t love a little enthusiastic praise? Fluffy Mexican Rice.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Orecchiette Pasta: Small ear-shaped pasta that captures sauce perfectly; opt for fresh if available.
Italian Sausage: Choose sweet or spicy based on your preference; it adds incredible depth of flavor.
Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets; they should be firm and crisp for best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling—it’s worth it!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese provides that finishing touch—don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the orecchiette and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain but reserve some pasta water—it’s liquid gold!
Sauté the Sausage: In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil and crumble in your sausage. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Let those tasty aromas fill your kitchen!
Add Garlic and Broccoli: Toss in minced garlic and chopped broccoli once the sausage is ready. Sauté until broccoli brightens in color and garlic becomes fragrant—around 3-4 minutes should do.
Combine Everything Together: Add cooked orecchiette to the pan with sausage and broccoli. Toss everything together with reserved pasta water until well combined—about 2 minutes will keep everything saucy.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted into all those delicious flavors—trust me; it’s heavenly!
Serve Warm!: Plate your Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli while it’s hot! Garnish with more Parmesan if you’re feeling generous—because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
And there you have it! A simple yet delightful dish that brings smiles all around. Whether it’s a cozy night in or an inviting gathering with friends, Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli has got you covered! Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a delightful dish that balances flavor and nutrition. The unique shape of orecchiette holds onto sauces perfectly, ensuring every bite bursts with savory goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s quick to whip up on busy nights! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage in a large pot. While it cooks, boil the orecchiette until al dente. In the last few minutes of cooking pasta, add broccoli florets for a colorful twist. Combine everything with garlic and olive oil for that perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the sausage for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also toss in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition. Experiment with different cheese varieties to find your favorite flavor. For more inspiration, check out this rotisserie chicken soup recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and flavor.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] When cooking orecchiette, don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it’s liquid gold! Use it to adjust sauce consistency as needed. Always taste as you go to ensure seasoning is just right, and let those flavors meld together beautifully. [/info_box]
Cooking this dish takes me back to family gatherings where everyone would fight over the last bite. The smiles on my loved ones’ faces made every minute spent in the kitchen worth it.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
Italian sausage adds great flavor, but feel free to use your favorite variety!
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Make sure to stir frequently while cooking and use plenty of salted water!
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a comforting, one-pot dish that delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The small, ear-shaped pasta perfectly cradles savory Italian sausage, while fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and essential nutrients. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to wow your guests. In just a short time, you can create a warm and inviting meal that gathers friends and family around the table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook orecchiette until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil and crumble in the sausage. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and chopped broccoli; sauté for about 3-4 minutes until broccoli brightens and garlic is fragrant.
- Toss cooked orecchiette into the pan, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Mix well for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
