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Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Hearty Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli in 30 Minutes

This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is an easy, family-friendly dinner that combines hearty flavors with vibrant greens.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Orecchiette Substitute with medium shells or penne if needed.
For the Sausage Mix
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Choose pork, chicken, or turkey sausage.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Can use canola oil as a substitute.
For the Vegetables
  • 4 cups Broccoli florets Can swap with green beans or spinach.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly chopped; garlic powder is an alternative.
For Finishing Touches
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be used.
  • to taste Red pepper flakes Omit for a milder flavor.
  • to taste Cracked pepper Can replace with white pepper.
  • to taste Flaky salt Sea salt can be an excellent alternative.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage, breaking it apart. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add broccoli florets and a splash of reserved pasta water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  5. Add drained orecchiette to the skillet, adding more reserved pasta water as needed. Stir until well combined.
  6. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with red pepper flakes, cracked pepper, and flaky salt to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For stored leftovers, keep in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days and reheat gently.

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