Delicious Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dish, this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is just what you need. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that come together to create a comforting meal that’s simple yet impressive. With a few key ingredients, you’ll have a plate of deliciousness that’s sure to please everyone around the table.
Imagine a warm bowl of Orecchiette pasta tossed with savory sausage and vibrant broccoli florets. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a standout. It’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or when hosting friends and family.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli: A Hearty Italian Delight
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe brings together simple yet rich flavors, creating a bowl of comfort that warms the soul. The combination of tender pasta, savory sausage, and vibrant broccoli offers a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Picture a warm bowl that showcases the inviting colors of green broccoli and golden sausage, all enveloped in a luscious garlic and olive oil sauce. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients That Shine
A handful of carefully selected ingredients makes this dish shine. The Orecchiette pasta provides a unique shape that captures the sauce beautifully, while the Italian sausage adds a hearty essence that complements the fresh broccoli perfectly.
Fresh garlic enhances the flavors, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes introduces a subtle kick. The finishing touch comes from a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh parsley, which elevate the dish both visually and in taste.
Cooking Process: Where Flavor Meets Simplicity
Preparing this dish is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks at all levels. The process begins with cooking the Orecchiette pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring it retains a satisfying bite.
Next, the sausage is sautéed to create a savory base, followed by the addition of broccoli and garlic, which brighten the dish. The pasta is then combined with these ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld and create a rich, cohesive meal.
Garnishing for Appeal
Garnishing takes this dish from good to gorgeous. Once plated, the Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts slightly into the warm pasta, creating a creamy texture.
A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the dish. The result is a visually stunning and appetizing meal that pleases both the eyes and the palate.
Setting the Scene: A Cozy Italian Dining Experience
Imagine enjoying this delicious pasta dish in a rustic setting, perhaps on a wooden table adorned with checkered cloth and a glass of red wine nearby. This enhances the dining experience, inviting a sense of warmth and comfort as you savor each bite.
Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, the ambiance created by the cozy atmosphere elevates the enjoyment of this meal, turning it into a delightful experience.
Perfect Pairing and Serving Suggestions
To complement this Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli, consider serving it alongside a light salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A glass of red wine pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the sausage and the garlic flavors in the dish.
Leftovers can be stored for future meals, making this recipe not just a one-time delight but a versatile option for busy weeknights. Reheating the pasta will allow the flavors to develop even further, offering a delicious second serving that feels just as fresh as the first.
Satisfying Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
This delightful dish features tender Orecchiette pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce with slices of savory sausage and fresh broccoli. It’s a warm, filling meal that balances the hearty sausage with the freshness of the vegetables.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the Orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Add Broccoli and Garlic: Stir in the broccoli florets and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained Orecchiette to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish. Enjoy your Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli hot!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g