Description
Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausage is a hearty Italian pasta dish combining tender orecchiette pasta, savory sweet Italian sausage, and nutritious broccoli florets. Enhanced with a touch of red pepper flakes, butter, and Parmesan cheese, this flavorful meal comes together quickly in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 links Sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb frozen broccoli florets
Seasonings & Fats
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 cups reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large, heavy-bottomed pot with at least 8 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the frozen broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes, until very tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli from the water and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Add the orecchiette pasta to the boiling water used for the broccoli. Cook according to package directions, approximately 12 minutes, until al dente. Remember to reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Brown Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage meat (removed from casings) and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
- Combine Broccoli and Seasonings: Add the cooked broccoli, red pepper flakes, and butter to the skillet with the sausage. Stir to combine and mash some of the broccoli with a wooden spoon to help meld the flavors together.
- Create Sauce and Finish: Lower the heat to medium. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta cooking water, 1/2 cup at a time, incorporating it into the broccoli and sausage mixture. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use fresh broccoli if preferred but adjust boiling time accordingly to about 5-6 minutes until tender.
- To reduce fat, consider using turkey sausage instead of sweet Italian pork sausage.
- Reserve pasta water as it contains starch that helps create a silky sauce.
- Ensure the sausage is removed from casings completely to brown evenly in the skillet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
