Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

If you love big flavors packed into a cozy, satisfying bowl of pasta, you’re in for a treat with this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe. Perfectly ear-shaped pasta scoops up spicy Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and a garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is a breeze to pull together on a weeknight but feels just a little special, especially when finished with generous clouds of parmesan and a swirl of olive oil. Whether you’re feeding your family or inviting friends over for an unfussy dinner, Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is the kind of meal everyone will ask for again (and again!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is all about simple ingredients, each one playing a vital role in the symphony of flavors and textures. From the savory sausage to the crisp-tender broccoli, every element deserves a quick spotlight before you tie on your apron.

• Broccoli florets: Fresh, small-cut broccoli brings gorgeous color, crispness, and a healthful green bite.
• Orecchiette pasta: The iconic “little ears” shape is ideal for cradling sausage and sauce in every forkful.
• Olive oil: A simple ingredient, but it lends rich flavor and helps meld all the components together.
• Raw Italian sausage: Choose spicy or sweet sausage according to your preference; it’s the bold backbone of the dish.
• Garlic: Four cloves add wonderful aroma and quick depth to the sauce.
• Reserved pasta water: Don’t skip this; its starch gives body and silkiness to the sauce so everything clings beautifully.
• Toppings (parmesan, olive oil, red pepper flakes, cracked pepper, flaky sea salt): A final flourish that wakes up every flavor and adds irresistible texture.

How to Make Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Broccoli

Start by giving your broccoli a quick rinse under cold water. Trim off the tough stems and break the florets into small, bite-size pieces. The smaller you chop them, the more they’ll mingle into the pasta (and cook faster!), which is exactly what you want for this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe.

Step 2: Cook the Orecchiette

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your orecchiette. Cook it for two minutes less than the package says. Here’s the crucial bit—before draining, scoop out two big cups of that pasta water and set it aside. The starch in this water is key to getting the perfect, luscious sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Italian Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in your favorite large skillet. Add the sausage, breaking it up with your spoon until it’s nicely browned and crumbly—about five or six minutes. Browning builds so much flavor for the Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe, so be patient and let the sausage take on good color.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Garlic

Toss in the chopped broccoli and minced garlic. Stir to coat everything in those savory sausage drippings, and cook for five or six more minutes until the broccoli is just tender. If things look a little dry or the broccoli stubbornly clings to its crunch, sprinkle in a bit of water and cover the pan briefly to steam it to perfection.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Add Reserved Water

Add the drained orecchiette straight into the pan, plus half of your reserved pasta water. This step is where the magic happens—the water loosens up any tasty bits stuck to the skillet, while the starch helps everything cling happily together for a real “restaurant” finish.

Step 6: Toss it All Together

Give everything a good toss. If your Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe looks dry, drizzle in a bit more of that pasta water. You want a glossy, unified skillet with the pasta, broccoli, and pork all cozied up together but not soupy. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.

Step 7: Plate and Top with All the Good Stuff

Spoon generous portions into bowls, then go wild with toppings! Shower on freshly grated parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. It’s that final touch that makes every mouthful unforgettable.

How to Serve Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches really pull it all together. Don’t hold back on the parmesan; it adds salty richness that balances the sausage. A swirl of good extra virgin olive oil adds gloss and luxurious flavor. Red pepper flakes deliver a gentle kick, while a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper rounds things out. These garnishes turn a simple bowl into something truly special.

Side Dishes

This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is plenty filling on its own, but a bright, crisp salad (think lemony arugula, shaved fennel, or simple mixed greens) is always welcome alongside. A crusty loaf of Italian bread is perfect for mopping up any lingering sauce, and a glass of crisp white wine pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves. If you’re serving guests, plate the pasta in shallow bowls topped with artful spoonfuls of sausage and broccoli. For an extra-elegant finish, scatter lemon zest or toasted pine nuts on top. This humble dish even dresses up nicely for a dinner party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers of the Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe to airtight containers and refrigerate. The pasta holds up for up to three days and makes a fabulous quick lunch or second dinner—all those flavors settle in and deepen overnight.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal for a busy future night, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months. For best results, let the pasta and sausage mixture come to room temperature before freezing, and avoid adding toppings until serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra olive oil to restore the sauce’s silkiness. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Top with fresh parmesan and pepper just before serving for the best flavor pop.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orecchiette?

Absolutely! While orecchiette is classic and does a wonderful job catching all those tasty bits, any short, sturdy pasta like farfalle, rigatoni, or penne will also work beautifully in this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe.

What kind of sausage is best?

Both spicy and sweet Italian sausage are delicious in this recipe. Choose the one that matches your taste (or mix both!), just make sure it’s raw and not pre-cooked so it browns up in the pan.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap in your favorite plant-based sausage, or simply sauté extra mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes for savory, umami flavor without the meat. The Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is incredibly flexible.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

In a pinch, yes. Frozen broccoli can go straight into the skillet—just add it a couple minutes earlier and be sure to drain off any excess liquid. The texture will be a touch softer than fresh, but it still works well.

Why is it important to save pasta water?

The reserved pasta water is loaded with starch and acts as a magic thickener and sauce-maker. It helps the Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe turn silky, allowing the sauce to cling to every piece of pasta, broccoli, and sausage for the creamiest result—never skip this step!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, fast, and loaded with comfort, give this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe a try. It’s straightforward yet satisfying, and once you taste how the flavors come together, you’ll want to make it again soon. Grab your skillet and dig in—deliciousness is just a few steps away!

Print