Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli: A Weeknight Wonder
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines simplicity and flavor in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender orecchiette pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce, complemented by savory sausage (choose chicken or turkey for a lighter option) and vibrant broccoli. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a comforting experience to warm your evenings. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy; substitute with chicken or turkey)
- 16 oz broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean and chop the broccoli into small pieces.
- Cook the orecchiette according to package directions, reserving 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Break up and brown the sausage for about 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the broccoli softens (about 5-6 minutes).
- Combine drained orecchiette with sausage and broccoli, mixing in reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil drizzle, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg