Imagine savoring a dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a comforting, homestyle touch. This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli recipe perfectly fits the bill. It's a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that's quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weekday dinner or a casual gathering.
The key ingredients for this recipe are orecchiette pasta, sweet Italian sausage, and broccoli florets. Orecchiette, meaning 'little ears' in Italian, may not be as commonly found in the pantry compared to other pasta varieties, but it is widely available in most supermarkets. Sweet Italian sausage adds a hearty flavor, but you may also substitute it with spicy sausage if you prefer more heat.
Ingredients for Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
Orecchiette pasta: This ear-shaped pasta from Puglia, Italy, is known for its ability to hold onto the savory sauce and other ingredients in every bite.
Sweet Italian sausage: This provides a rich, meaty flavor that perfectly complements with the pasta and broccoli.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the sausage, adding a subtle, fruity flavor to the dish.
Broccoli florets: Adds a healthy crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
Garlic: Gives a strong and pungent flavor that deepens the taste of the dish.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Gives the dish a slight kick.
Pasta water: Helps to thicken the sauce and make it stick to the pasta better.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that ties the dish together.
One reader, Craggie Keaton says:
This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of the savory sausage and tender broccoli is simply divine. It's become a family favorite in our household. Highly recommended!
Cooking Techniques for Orecchiette With Sausage and Broccoli
How to cook the pasta: Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions, but remove it from the heat one minute before the recommended cooking time. This will ensure the pasta is al dente.
How to brown the sausage: In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it is browned and cooked through.
How to cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan with the sausage. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli has softened slightly.
How to create the sauce: After draining the pasta, add it to the pan with the sausage and broccoli. Stir well to combine, then add the reserved pasta water and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the cheese has melted, creating a light sauce that coats the pasta.
How To Make Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
Satisfy those Italian food cravings with this simple yet elegant recipe for orecchiette with sausage. It even has broccoli for some added nutrition.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lborecchiette pasta
- 1lbSweet Italian sausage,removed from casings
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 2cupsbroccoli florets
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspcoarse ground black pepper
- ¼tspred pepper flakes
- ½cuppasta water
- ½cupgrated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Cook pasta one minute shy of the directions then drain but save ½ cup of the pasta water.
-
Add olive oil to the pot with sausage and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart as while cooking, until browned.
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Add broccoli, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to pot and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until broccoli has softened.
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Add drained pasta to the pot, stir well to combine and add in pasta water, parmesan cheese, stirring until it makes a light sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 471.77kcal
- Fat: 13.06g
- Saturated Fat: 5.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.15g
- Carbohydrates: 60.48g
- Fiber: 2.52g
- Sugar: 2.15g
- Protein: 27.34g
- Cholesterol: 31.11mg
- Sodium: 613.60mg
- Calcium: 197.96mg
- Potassium: 414.75mg
- Iron: 2.26mg
- Vitamin A: 61.63µg
- Vitamin C: 22.84mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting This Pasta Recipe
When cooking the broccoli for this recipe, it's important to not overcook it. You want the broccoli to still have a bit of crunch to it, as it provides a nice contrast to the soft orecchiette pasta and sausage. To achieve this, keep a close eye on the broccoli as it cooks and test it frequently by piercing it with a fork. Once it's tender but still firm, it's ready. This way, your broccoli will retain its vibrant green color and won't turn into a mushy, unappetizing mess.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Pasta Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and pre-cook some components in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan, minimizing cleanup and saving time.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils, reducing prep time and minimizing stress.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency, such as boiling water while chopping vegetables to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
orecchiette pasta - Substitute with fusilli pasta: Fusilli has a similar shape and texture, making it a suitable substitute for orecchiette in this recipe.
sweet Italian sausage - Substitute with spicy Italian sausage: If you prefer a bit of heat, using spicy Italian sausage can add a kick to the dish while still providing the savory flavor.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a versatile and healthy alternative for sautéing the ingredients.
broccoli florets - Substitute with broccolini: Broccolini has a similar taste and texture to broccoli but with a slightly sweeter flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper: If you prefer a spicier kick, crushed red pepper can be used to replace black pepper, adding heat and flavor to the dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes, providing a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of heat.
pasta water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add depth of flavor and moisture to the dish, similar to the effect of pasta water.
grated Parmesan cheese - Substitute with Pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to Parmesan, making it a suitable substitute for adding a rich, savory taste to the dish.
Plating Ideas for Orecchiette With Sausage and Broccoli
Elevate the plating: Arrange the orecchiette and sausage mixture in a circular motion on the plate, ensuring that the broccoli and sausage are evenly distributed for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil over the dish to add a pop of color and enhance the aroma.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts on top of the orecchiette for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated, minimalist serving dishes that complement the vibrant colors of the dish and allow the orecchiette with sausage and broccoli to take center stage.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with finesse and attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Orecchiette Pasta
- Pot: A large, deep container used for cooking pasta, boiling vegetables, and preparing sauces.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining pasta and washing vegetables.
- Wooden spoon: A utensil used for stirring, mixing, and tasting food during cooking.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for slicing, chopping, and mincing ingredients.
- Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid and dry ingredients accurately in cooking and baking.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot items such as pasta and vegetables.
- Cheese grater: A tool specifically designed for grating cheese into fine or coarse shreds.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves for adding flavor to dishes.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Orecchiette Pasta Dishes
- Allow the orecchiette with sausage and broccoli to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta dish into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the dish, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, where they will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the frozen orecchiette with sausage and broccoli:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed pasta to a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the pasta.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a covered skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- If you have any leftover parmesan cheese, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Dishes
Reheat the leftover orecchiette in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter to the pan to prevent the pasta from sticking and to add extra flavor. Stir the pasta frequently until it's heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of chicken broth or pasta water to help loosen the sauce and keep the dish moist.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the leftover orecchiette with sausage and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pasta to become rubbery.
To reheat the pasta in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover orecchiette to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and create a crispy texture.
If you have a steamer basket, you can use it to reheat the leftover pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the orecchiette with sausage and broccoli in the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the dish and prevents the pasta from drying out.
For a crispy twist, reheat the leftover orecchiette in a waffle iron. Preheat the waffle iron and spray with cooking spray. Spread the pasta evenly over the waffle iron and close the lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and crispy on the outside. This method works best for smaller portions and creates a unique texture.
Interesting Trivia About Orecchiette Pasta
The orecchiette pasta in this recipe is named after its shape, which resembles a small ear. This type of pasta is commonly used in traditional Italian cuisine and is perfect for holding the flavors of the sausage and broccoli.
Is Making Orecchiette With Sausage and Broccoli Budget-Friendly?
This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pasta, sausage, and broccoli, are affordable and readily available. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15. With its simple preparation and delicious outcome, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 rating for its affordability and taste.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The orecchiette with sausage and broccoli recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses sweet Italian sausage, which is typically high in saturated fat and sodium. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The dish is heavy on pasta, which is a refined carbohydrate. While carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet, consuming too many refined carbs can lead to weight gain and blood sugar imbalances.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of Parmesan cheese, which is high in saturated fat and sodium.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as broccoli, which is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The garlic used in the dish also offers some health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the sweet Italian sausage for a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or chicken sausage. This will reduce the amount of saturated fat in the dish.
- Increase the amount of broccoli or add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content and fiber in the meal.
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber and protein content while reducing the refined carbohydrates.
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese used or opt for a lower-fat alternative, such as a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavor but is lower in fat and sodium.
- Use a smaller portion of pasta and sausage while increasing the portion of vegetables to create a more balanced and nutrient-dense meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Sausage and Broccoli Pasta Dish
This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweet Italian sausage adds a rich and savory element, while the broccoli brings a fresh and vibrant touch. The use of garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to the dish. The cooking method ensures that the pasta is perfectly al dente, and the addition of pasta water helps create a light and flavorful sauce. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of hearty and wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying and delicious meal option.
Enhance Your Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe:
This recipe is a trustworthy choice for a satisfying meal. The combination of orecchiette pasta and savory sweet Italian sausage creates a delightful flavor profile. The addition of broccoli not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a delightful crunch. The use of garlic and red pepper flakes infuses the dish with aromatic and spicy notes. The incorporation of parmesan cheese brings a rich and creamy texture. With these high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.
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