If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and utterly comforting, then this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. Juicy Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly chewy orecchiette all come together in a garlicky, rich sauce you’ll want to scoop up with extra bread (trust me!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Satisfying: This meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both easy and hearty.
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The savory sausage, delicate orecchiette, and vibrant broccoli are perfectly balanced by a garlicky sauce and a flurry of Parmesan.
- Customizable to Your Preferences: Whether you swap in chicken sausage, choose a different pasta shape, or dial up the heat, this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is flexible and forgiving.
- One Pan, Minimal Cleanup: Using just a pot and a skillet, you’ll have fewer dishes to worry about after dinner—always a win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe, and each one plays a role in making this dish so crave-worthy. The beauty here is in their simplicity: every bite is layered with savory, fresh, and aromatic flavors.
- Broccoli florets (16 oz.): Fresh, vibrant broccoli is the star veggie here—it brings color, nutrients, and a satisfying bite to every forkful.
- Orecchiette pasta (1 lb.): The saucer-shaped “little ears” pasta is traditional for this dish, perfect for cradling bits of sausage and broccoli in each bite.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp.): Just a touch brings out the flavors and helps everything cook evenly.
- Raw Italian sausage (16 oz.): Opt for either mild or spicy pork, chicken, or turkey sausage—whatever you love most. It brings bold, savory flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with that unmistakable aroma and warmth.
- Reserved pasta water (2 cups): This is the secret sauce ingredient—it helps everything come together with a silky finish and just the right cling.
- Toppings: grated Parmesan, olive oil, red pepper flakes, freshly cracked pepper, flaky sea salt: Finishing flourishes that lift the dish from great to unforgettable—don’t skip!
Variations
If you love to make recipes your own, this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is a playground! It adapts beautifully to what you have on hand, dietary restrictions, or the flavors your family likes best.
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the sausage entirely and try sautéing mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or white beans for a satisfying, plant-based twist.
- Switch the Pasta: Can’t find orecchiette? Use medium shells, penne, or even rigatoni—they’ll all catch the sauce and add lovely texture.
- Whole Grain or Gluten-Free: Whole wheat pasta brings a nuttier flavor (it’s actually delicious in this dish), or substitute your favorite gluten-free variety.
- Spice Level: Amp up the heat with spicy sausage or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes, or keep it mild if that’s what everyone prefers.
How to Make Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Sausage
Start by cleaning and chopping your broccoli into small, bite-size florets—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. While you’re at it, slice open the sausage casing if needed and have it ready to crumble into the pan.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette according to the package instructions, but stop about two minutes before it’s fully done. This little trick lets the pasta finish cooking in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption. Don’t forget to reserve two cups of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water is magic for your sauce!
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the raw Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it get nice and brown—this step builds tons of flavor, so don’t rush it! You’ll want to see some golden, crispy bits in the pan.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Garlic
Toss the chopped broccoli and minced garlic into the skillet with the sausage. Stir everything together and cook for another 5–6 minutes, adding a splash of water as needed to help steam and soften the broccoli just until it’s bright green and tender.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained orecchiette directly to the skillet with sausage, broccoli, and garlic. Pour in about half of your reserved pasta water and toss everything together, letting the pasta finish cooking and absorb those rich flavors. If the sauce looks dry, add more pasta water a little at a time until you get a glossy, luscious finish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Now comes the fun part! Scoop your finished Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Pure bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
- The Power of Pasta Water: Always save a full two cups of that starchy cooking water—it’s the secret to a glossy, perfectly cohesive sauce that clings to every “ear.”
- Cut Broccoli Small for Even Cooking: Small, evenly sized florets will cook quickly and blend seamlessly with the sausage and pasta in every bite.
- Brown the Sausage Well: Don’t rush the browning step—the more caramelized the sausage gets, the more rich and savory your finished dish will be.
- Finish with Toppings Tableside: Let everyone add their own Parmesan, olive oil, and spice at the table for a personalized touch and extra bursts of flavor.
How to Serve Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
For the ultimate finish, shower your hot pasta bowls with freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of robust extra virgin olive oil, and a flutter of flaky sea salt. Don’t forget a twist of black pepper and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat—the contrast of creamy, spicy, salty, and fragrant makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe truly shines with a bright Italian chopped salad on the side. Add a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce, or keep it classic with a simple mixed greens salad tossed with lemon and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style in a big shallow platter for everyone to dig in at once, or plate individual portions topped dramatically with shavings of Parmesan and a swizzle of olive oil. For something extra special, nestle the pasta into wide bowls and finish with a sprig of basil or parsley for a burst of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully for up to 3 or 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen and meld, making for a satisfying lunch or another quick dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe—pasta and broccoli both tend to lose their best texture after thawing. If you must, try freezing just the sausage and broccoli mixture, then add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil, and toss gently over medium heat until warmed through. The microwave also works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring often to avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets—just add them straight to the pan with the sausage and garlic. They release a bit more water, so cook until the moisture evaporates and the florets are tender and vibrant.
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What’s the best way to make this less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to heat, choose a mild Italian sausage and omit red pepper flakes from the finished dish. You can always serve chili flakes on the side for those who like extra kick.
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Can I make Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop the broccoli and brown the sausage a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then quickly finish the dish with fresh pasta and sauce when you’re ready to eat.
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What can I substitute if I can’t find orecchiette?
Medium pasta shapes like shells or penne work wonderfully—they scoop up the sauce and toppings almost as well as orecchiette, so use whatever’s easiest to find!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe into your kitchen—it’s a dish made for sharing, savoring, and making memories around the table. Try it soon and let it brighten up your next dinner with comfort you can twirl onto a fork. Enjoy!
PrintOrecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that combines flavorful Italian sausage with tender broccoli and orecchiette pasta, topped with parmesan cheese and seasonings.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli:
- 16 oz. broccoli florets (about 2 small crowns)
- 1 lb. orecchiette pasta
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 16 oz. raw Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- topping: grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, red pepper flakes, freshly cracked pepper, flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prep broccoli: Clean and trim broccoli. Chop florets into small pieces.
- Cook pasta: Prepare pasta as directed, cooking 2 minutes less than instructed. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water.
- Saute sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook sausage until browned.
- Add broccoli and garlic: Toss in broccoli and garlic, cook until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Add drained pasta and 1/2 of pasta water to skillet, toss together.
- Finish and serve: Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Storage: Store in the fridge for 3–4 days; not suitable for freezing. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Ingredient notes: Use pork, chicken, or turkey sausage. Orecchiette can be substituted with other small pasta shapes.
- Prep ahead: Broccoli can be chopped in advance.
- Serve with: Italian chopped salad and garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg