Dive into the heart of Italian cuisine with this delightful Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Sauce and Sausage! This dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. With tender orecchiette pasta cradling savory Italian sausage and vibrant broccoli in a luscious garlic-infused sauce, it's a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of orecchiette pasta, 1 lb of Italian sausage, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble the sausage into the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Stir to combine, then pour in the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta with the sausage and broccoli, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a minute. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously before adding the orecchiette. This is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself!
- Sausage Selection: For an extra kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage. It adds a delightful heat that complements the broccoli beautifully.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green, fresh broccoli florets for the best flavor and texture. Steaming them just right will keep them vibrant and crunchy.
- Garlic Alert: Be mindful when sautéing the garlic; it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it, and stir frequently to ensure it becomes fragrant without turning bitter.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! This starchy liquid can help bind the sauce and pasta together, creating a silky finish.
- Garnish Wisely: For a gourmet touch, serve your dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.With these tips, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that your family and friends will rave about!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 679kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
