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Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

The ultimate comfort food, Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is a deliciously easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor. Each bite features tender pasta, savory sausage, and vibrant broccoli, making it a perfect choice for the whole family. Experience the rich textures and flavors that come together in this delightful dish tonight!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz Italian chicken sausage casing removed
  • 12 oz Orecchiette pasta or gluten-free pasta
  • 6.5 cups fresh broccoli florets no stems (16 oz)
  • 5 cloves garlic smashed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • kosher salt to taste
  • fresh cracked pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is essential for cooking the pasta. The salt adds flavor and ensures the pasta doesn’t taste bland. While you wait for the water to boil, you can prepare the sausage.
  2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat over medium-high. Add the Italian chicken sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on the color; it should be a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove it from heat and set it aside, allowing the flavors to meld in the pan.
  3. When the water is boiling, add the orecchiette pasta. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. This not only cooks the broccoli perfectly but also infuses its flavor into the pasta.
  4. As the pasta and broccoli cook, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and broccoli carefully in a colander, letting the water run off completely.
  5. Return the pot to the stove, setting the heat to high. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, toss in the garlic. Cook until it turns golden, about 1 minute. The aroma will be heavenly as the garlic cooks.
  6. Lower the heat to low and add the drained pasta and broccoli back to the pot. Then, stir in the cooked chicken sausage. Mixing everything together is crucial here, so take your time to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  7. Next, drizzle in the remaining olive oil and add the grated cheese. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. It’s important to mix thoroughly, smashing any large pieces of broccoli to break them up for even texture.
  8. Now, it's time to add the reserved pasta water. Pour in about 1/2 cup and mix well. The water helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. If it feels dry, add more pasta water as needed until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Finally, serve the Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli in pasta bowls. Feel free to sprinkle additional grated cheese on top for extra richness, if desired. Enjoy each bite of this delicious meal!

Notes

Making Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli results in about 9 1/2 cups of finished dish, perfect for a hearty family meal or leftovers for the week ahead.