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Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli is a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner. Ready in 30 min + made with 5 simple ingredients!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Prep broccoli: clean and trim broccoli. Chop florets into small pieces.
  2. Cook pasta as directed on the package, but take off the heat 2 minutes early. BE SURE TO RESERVE 2 CUPS PASTA WATER.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. When its hot, add sausage to the pan, breaking it up with the back of a spatula or spoon. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until browned.
  4. Add chopped broccoli and garlic to the pan, tossing everything together. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until broccoli has softened. Add a sprinkle of water to help steam (and soften up) the broccoli.
  5. When pasta is finished cooking, add the drained pasta to the pan, along with 1/2 of the pasta water.
  6. Toss everything together and add extra pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
  7. Serve with desired toppings: parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked pepper to taste.