This orecchiette pasta with sausage and broccoli is the ultimate weeknight meal—ready in just 30 minutes! Packed with protein, veggies, and big flavors, this dish is both satisfying and easy. Plus, you might already have all the ingredients in your kitchen, as it uses only five simple components.
If you enjoy straightforward pasta recipes that cook up quickly in a skillet (no baking required!), check out my penne pomodoro, scallop linguine, chicken broccoli ziti, 10-minute pesto tortellini, or creamy tomato pasta for your next meal. Let’s dive in!
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE
This cozy and comforting orecchiette pasta with sausage and broccoli delivers major flavor in just 30 minutes. Made with only five simple ingredients, it’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
INGREDIENTS
- Broccoli – Opt for pre-cut broccoli florets to save time, but be sure to trim them into small, uniform pieces for easier eating.
- Pasta – While orecchiette is used here, any short pasta like penne, farfalle, fusilli, rotini, or medium shells will work. For a gluten-free version, simply choose your preferred gluten-free pasta.
- Olive oil – Select a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Reserve a bit of good-quality olive oil for drizzling over the finished dish.
- Italian sausage – If available, choose Italian sausage without casings. You can use hot, mild, or sweet sausage based on your preference, or substitute with your favorite plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic will provide the most robust flavor.
- Toppings – Finish your dish with grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
HOW TO MAKE PASTA WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI
Here’s a quick overview of making orecchiette with sausage and broccoli. For detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Clean and trim the broccoli, cutting the florets into similar-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions, but remove it from the heat 2 minutes early. Reserve some of the pasta water.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, and cook until browned.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli and garlic to the skillet, tossing to combine. Cook until the broccoli is tender. TIP: For softer broccoli, add a few tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover to steam.
- Combine the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with some of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as needed if it seems dry.
- Serve: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
CONCLUSION
This easy orecchiette with sausage and broccoli recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The tender orecchiette, savory sausage, and vibrant broccoli create a satisfying and comforting dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe is ideal for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Enjoy this flavorful pasta dish and let the combination of ingredients delight your taste buds!
