If you're searching for a hearty, comforting dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, look no further than Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli! This delightful recipe combines tender orecchiette pasta with savory Italian sausage and vibrant broccoli florets, all brought together with a hint of garlic and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will impress your family and friends, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let's dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the orecchiette pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the ingredients. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and chop them into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Once the water is boiling, add the orecchiette pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them.
- While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the orecchiette and broccoli are done cooking, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
- Add the drained orecchiette and broccoli to the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Toss everything together over medium heat.
- If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the orecchiette with sausage and broccoli hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously before adding the orecchiette. This enhances the flavor of the pasta and ensures it’s deliciously seasoned.
- Timing is Key: To keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp, add it to the pasta during the last 3 minutes of cooking. This method not only saves time but also allows the broccoli to absorb some of the pasta's flavor.
- Sausage Selection: For an extra flavor kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking the sausage.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! It’s a secret weapon for creating the perfect sauce consistency, helping to bind everything together beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: Finish your dish with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Not only does it add creaminess, but it also elevates the dish to restaurant-quality!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 636kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 68mg
