Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is one of my favorite weeknight pasta dishes, a real crowd-pleaser, and my husband even goes back for seconds. This is the only way I can get Madison to eat broccoli; I cook the pasta and broccoli at the same time, all in the same pot, which creates a pesto-like broccoli sauce the kids cant pick out (trust me, its so good!).
Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is one of my favorite weeknight pasta dishes, a real crowd-pleaser, and my husband even goes back for seconds. This is the only way I can get Madison to eat broccoli; I cook the pasta and broccoli at the same time, all in the same pot, which creates a pesto-like broccoli sauce the kids cant pick out (trust me, its so good!).
- kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 14 oz package italian chicken sausage (casing removed)
- 12 oz uncooked pasta (or brown rice or quinoa pasta for
- 6 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets (no stems (16 oz))
- 5 cloves garlic (smashed and chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (95g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet and brown the sausage over medium-high, breaking it up as it cooks with a wooden spoon until browned, 5 to 7 minutes; remove from heat.
- When the water boils, add the pasta and bring back to a boil; when the water is boiling, add broccoli and cook according to pasta instructions for al dente.
- When pasta is almost done cooking, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside.
- Drain pasta and broccoli.
- Return the pot to the stove and set heat to high; add 1 tbsp olive oil. When hot, add garlic. Cook until golden, about 1 minute, reduce flame to low and add pasta back to the pot with the sausage.
- Mix well, add remaining olive oil, grated cheese, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well and smashing any large pieces of broccoli to break up.
- Add 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and mix well, adding more if needed.
- Serve in pasta bowls with additional grated cheese on the side, if desired.
Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy mom, finding quick, delicious, and family-friendly meals is a constant challenge. There’s nothing worse than spending an hour in the kitchen only to have half the food go uneaten. That’s why I’ve perfected this Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli recipe – it’s a weeknight lifesaver!
The secret? Simplicity and a bit of clever cooking. I cook the pasta and broccoli together in the same pot. This creates the most amazing, naturally creamy sauce – almost like a pesto, without all the fuss. My kids, who usually turn up their noses at broccoli, gobble this up! It's a win-win – a delicious meal that's healthy and easy to make.
This recipe is more than just pasta; it's a symbol of my everyday juggling act. I’m always on the go, but I still want to provide my family with wholesome, satisfying meals. This dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, but flavorful enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences. Feel free to swap the chicken sausage for Italian sausage, or even vegetarian alternatives. Different cheeses also work wonderfully – try Parmesan, Asiago, or even a blend. The possibilities are endless!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it requires minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in one pot, which means less time spent scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying dinner with my family. This is a huge bonus on a busy night!
Another thing I love is how versatile this pasta is. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option. Just pack it up in lunch boxes, and you have a nutritious and satisfying lunch ready to go!
Beyond its practicality, this dish is packed with flavor. The combination of tender orecchiette pasta, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant broccoli florets creates a symphony of tastes and textures. The simple garlic and olive oil dressing perfectly complements the ingredients, bringing out their natural flavors. It's the kind of meal that leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied.
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner, give this Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli a try. You won't be disappointed! It’s a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it finds a place in yours too.
Trust me, it’s so much more than just pasta – it's a taste of comfort, convenience, and family all rolled into one delicious bowl.
I often serve this with a simple side salad, but it's honestly so filling that it often stands alone as a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy, slightly nutty flavor of the pasta water-enhanced sauce is simply divine, and the broccoli is so tender and flavorful that it’s a joy to eat. This pasta is truly a family favorite and a perfect example of how a simple dish can be both delicious and effortlessly chic.
Making this dish is a mindful act, a small gesture of love and care for my family. The aroma of garlic and sausage fills the kitchen, a comforting presence that signals the start of a shared meal. The simple act of cooking, of transforming raw ingredients into a delicious and nourishing dish, connects me to something larger than myself. It’s a grounding experience in a busy world, and the smiles around the table at dinnertime are the best reward.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to create a little bit of magic in your kitchen. The simple act of preparing food for those you love is an act of love in itself, and that makes all the difference.
