Name: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces orecchiette pasta; 12 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 large head broccoli (cut into small florets); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh lemon wedges and extra Parmesan for serving

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Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a joyful celebration of classic Italian flavors, with tender pasta nestled among savory sausage and vibrant green broccoli, all tossed in a garlicky, parmesan-kissed sauce. This dish is destined to become a staple in your kitchen—it’s just as perfect for a fast weeknight dinner as it is for sharing with friends over a glass of your favorite wine. Savory, hearty, and just a bit zesty, Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli proves that simplicity and comfort go hand-in-hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this dish is purposeful and contributes a unique pop of flavor, texture, or color. The list may be short, but the magic truly happens when they all come together—here’s what you’ll need and why every element shines.

Orecchiette pasta: With its little ear shape, this pasta is ideal for holding bits of sausage and broccoli in every bite.
Italian sausage: Choose your favorite mild or spicy sausage—its savory richness is the backbone of the dish.
Broccoli florets: Crisp-tender broccoli adds color, crunch, and wholesome flavor that pairs perfectly with sausage.
Olive oil: A good drizzle brings the whole sauce together, infusing each ingredient with luscious Mediterranean aroma.
Garlic: Three cloves lend bold, fragrant depth that makes the sauce sing.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat and zing running through their pasta.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and absolutely essential—this is what gives the dish its luxurious finish.
Salt and black pepper: Enhance and balance the flavors—never underestimate the power of seasoning.
Fresh lemon wedges and extra Parmesan: The final bright and cheesy flourish that ties everything together beautifully.

How to Make Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—think sea-water salty, since this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions, but don’t wander off! About four minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets so they can cook together. The timing is key: you want both pasta and broccoli perfectly al dente and vibrantly green. Before draining everything, remember to reserve about half a cup of that starchy cooking water—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta and broccoli bubble away, heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a sturdy wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fabulously golden and cooked through. Browning really matters here—it unlocks those deep, meaty flavors and creates little bits of caramelized goodness that will infuse the dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Pepper Flakes

Once the sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic and, if you’d like, the red pepper flakes. Let everything sizzle for about a minute; you want the garlic to bloom and become fragrant, but make sure it doesn’t burn. At this stage, you’ll notice a wave of toasty, spicy aroma—this is where the sauce really starts to build its personality.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sausage

Now for the happiest moment: add the drained orecchiette and broccoli right into the skillet with the sausage. Toss enthusiastically so every little pasta shape and floret gets coated in the garlicky, meaty oil. Gradually add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bind all the flavors together.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while tossing—watch as it melts and mingles with the pasta, creating a creamy, silky coating. Taste, then add salt and black pepper as needed. Don’t be shy with either; generous seasoning elevates the flavors, making the orecchiette with sausage and broccoli truly irresistible.

Step 6: Serve with Lemon and Extra Parmesan

Transfer your steaming pasta to a big serving bowl or plate it up individually. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a pop of brightness, and finish with a snowfall of extra Parmesan cheese. The lemon wakes up all the savory flavors, while the extra cheese gives each bite a rich, salty edge.

How to Serve Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Garnishes

When it comes to the perfect finishing touch for orecchiette with sausage and broccoli, you truly can’t go wrong with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of Parmesan. For extra flair, scatter over a few chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for an aromatic burst of color. Cracked black pepper or a quick drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving also bring out the best in every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but for the ultimate Italian meal, pair orecchiette with sausage and broccoli with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, some warm, crusty bread for scooping up all the saucy bits, or even a quick tomato salad tossed with fresh basil. A glass of crisp white wine rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your family or guests? Serve orecchiette with sausage and broccoli family-style in a large, rustic bowl, or give each person a mini skillet for a chef-inspired touch. For parties, you can even spoon little nests of the pasta into small cups or ramekins for an easy, elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra orecchiette with sausage and broccoli (lucky you!), simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s still incredibly tasty the next day, and the flavors meld even further as they rest.

Freezing

While this dish is certainly best fresh, you can freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. To prevent soggy pasta, make sure to cool everything down completely before transferring to the freezer, and store in individual portions for easy reheating.

Reheating

To bring your orecchiette with sausage and broccoli back to life, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and keep things moist. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each burst to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While orecchiette adds that perfect “little ear” shape for catching sausage and broccoli, penne, farfalle, or even shells will do a great job if that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

You sure can—swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or simply add extra broccoli and perhaps some sautéed mushrooms for richness. The base flavors remain deliciously satisfying.

Can I substitute another green vegetable for broccoli?

Yes! Try broccolini, rapini, or even asparagus for a twist on the classic orecchiette with sausage and broccoli. Each brings its own unique texture and flavor to the party.

What kind of sausage works best?

Italian pork sausage (mild or spicy) is a classic, but chicken or turkey sausage works wonderfully too if you prefer a lighter option. Just make sure to remove the casings for the best texture in the sauce.

Do I have to use the red pepper flakes?

No worries if you’re not a fan of heat! The pepper flakes are totally optional, so leave them out if you prefer a milder version of orecchiette with sausage and broccoli.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy as it is impressive, give orecchiette with sausage and broccoli a try. With its perfect balance of savory, bright, and cheesy notes, it’s comfort food at its best. Gather your ingredients and let this Italian favorite make its way into your weekly rotation—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of hearty Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and flavorful Parmesan cheese creates a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli:

12 ounces orecchiette pasta
12 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 large head broccoli (cut into small florets)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh lemon wedges and extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette according to package instructions. Add broccoli 4 minutes before pasta is done. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Prepare Sausage Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook sausage until browned, add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta and broccoli to skillet, toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan.