This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes with only five main ingredients. The combination of tender pasta, savory sausage, and nutritious broccoli makes it a satisfying and easy meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just craving a quick dinner, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is the ultimate weeknight meal. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients. The hearty turkey sausage adds protein, while the broccoli brings both flavor and a boost of nutrients. The orecchiette pasta, with its small, ear-shaped design, soaks up the delicious sausage and garlic flavors, making every bite rich and satisfying. With minimal prep and only one skillet to clean, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious.
Ingredients
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16 oz broccoli florets (about 2 small crowns)
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1 lb orecchiette pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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16 oz raw turkey sausage
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups reserved pasta water
For Topping:
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Grated parmesan cheese
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Olive oil
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Red pepper flakes
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Freshly cracked pepper
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Flaky sea salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prep the Broccoli: Clean and trim the broccoli. Chop the florets into small pieces.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package directions, but remove from heat 2 minutes early. Be sure to reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
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Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with the back of a spatula or spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned.
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Add the Broccoli and Garlic: Add the chopped broccoli and minced garlic to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the broccoli is softened. Add a sprinkle of water if needed to help steam and soften the broccoli.
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Combine with Pasta: When the pasta is done cooking, add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.
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Toss Everything Together: Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
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Serve: Serve with desired toppings: grated parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked pepper.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
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Make it spicy: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
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Creamy version: For a creamier dish, add a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese along with the pasta.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra water or broth if needed.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a little pasta water or broth to help bring back the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you’re using.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili or some hot sauce to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove with a little extra water to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its combination of tender sausage, sautéed garlic, and broccoli, it’s both satisfying and nourishing. The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a weeknight winner. Whether you make it as is or add your own twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation!
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Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a simple and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes with only five ingredients. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight, featuring turkey sausage, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz broccoli florets (about 2 small crowns)
- 1 lb orecchiette pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 oz raw turkey sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups reserved pasta water
- For Topping:
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Freshly cracked pepper
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Clean and trim the broccoli. Chop the florets into small pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package directions, but remove from heat 2 minutes early. Be sure to reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with the back of a spatula or spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned.
- Add the Broccoli and Garlic: Add the chopped broccoli and minced garlic to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the broccoli is softened. Add a sprinkle of water if needed to help steam and soften the broccoli.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage Mixture: When the pasta is done cooking, add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
- Serve: Serve with desired toppings: grated parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked pepper.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute turkey sausage with chicken sausage or another protein of choice.
- If you like extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese when combining the pasta and sausage mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
