One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
There’s something magical about a meal that delivers big, comforting flavors with minimal fuss, and that’s exactly what you get with this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe. Picture tender pasta nestled into a rich, savory sauce, flecked with spicy sausage and bright, crisp broccoli, all brought together in just thirty minutes with one pan to clean. Whether you’re cooking for your family or simply craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to satisfy. It’s a personal favorite for those moments when you want to wow your taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and color. From the nutty bite of orecchiette to the creamy finish of Parmesan, every component plays a starring role in making this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe a true weeknight wonder.
- Orecchiette pasta (12 ounces): These adorable “little ears” scoop up the sauce and sausage for the perfect bite every time.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for browning the sausage and infusing the dish with a rich, Mediterranean flavor.
- Italian sausage, casings removed (1 pound): Choose spicy or sweet, pork or turkey—sausage is the backbone of flavor here.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic adds an irresistible aroma and a punch of savory depth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch brings gentle heat that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Broccoli florets, small pieces (3 cups): Bright, fresh broccoli gives color, crunch, and a healthy twist.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Simmering the pasta right in the broth creates a silky, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the natural flavors—adjust to your taste after cooking.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little pepper sharpens the dish without overpowering it.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds salty, creamy richness and helps bind the sauce together beautifully.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Swirled in at the end for extra creaminess and a touch of indulgence.
How to Make One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for it to be nicely browned and cooked through—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the sausage is key for building a foundation of flavor that will infuse everything else in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic and, if you like a little kick, the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. This step brings a wonderful aroma and a gentle heat that makes this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe stand out.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Broccoli, and Broth
Next, stir in the orecchiette pasta, broccoli florets, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the broth. This one-pot method means the pasta absorbs all the savory flavors while cooking, making the whole dish rich and cohesive.
Step 4: Simmer Until Al Dente
Bring your pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the pasta to be al dente and most of the liquid to be absorbed, creating a creamy, saucy consistency. The broccoli will become tender yet still vibrant, adding color and freshness.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Butter
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter. The cheese melts into the pasta, creating a silky sauce, while the butter adds a final layer of richness. Give everything a good toss so the flavors meld together, and your One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A generous shower of extra Parmesan cheese is always a good idea, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper brings a pop of contrast. If you want a touch of brightness, add a little lemon zest or some chopped fresh parsley right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but a crisp green salad or a loaf of warm, crusty bread makes it a truly comforting meal. If you’re in the mood for something extra, a simple tomato salad or roasted vegetables would complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve directly from the pot at the table—it’s rustic and inviting. If you’re hosting, spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of olive oil and a few shavings of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can even pack leftovers into lunchboxes for a meal that’s just as delicious the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months. Just keep in mind that the pasta may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavors will still shine.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and warm it gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave individual portions, making sure to cover the container to keep in the moisture. Add a little extra Parmesan if you want to refresh the creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While orecchiette is perfect for catching the sausage and sauce, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells work well in this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe too.
What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?
No worries—frozen broccoli is a great substitute. Just add it about halfway through the cooking time so it doesn’t get too soft, and you’ll still enjoy that satisfying bite and bright color.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can! Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative and olive oil instead of butter at the end. The result will still be creamy and delicious, perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
How do I make it spicier or milder?
For extra heat, use spicy Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes. For a milder version, choose sweet sausage and skip the red pepper entirely. Adjust it to suit your taste—this recipe is all about making it your own!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is a staple in my kitchen—it’s quick, full of flavor, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. If you’re searching for a meal that’s as comforting as it is easy, give this recipe a try. I think you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful Italian-American dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender orecchiette pasta is cooked together with savory Italian sausage, fresh broccoli florets, and fragrant garlic in a rich, cheesy broth, making a creamy and satisfying meal in just one pot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (cut into small pieces)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cooked sausage and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta and broccoli: Stir in the orecchiette pasta, broccoli florets, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the dish: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese and butter: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Frozen broccoli can replace fresh broccoli; if using frozen, add it halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
