Orecchiette with Potato Cream, Broccoli, and Sausage
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Orecchiette pasta | 360g |
| Potatoes | 180g |
| Broccoli | 300g |
| Sausage (preferably Italian sausage) | 300g |
| Grana Padano DOP (or Parmesan) | 100g |
| Onion | 100g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | q.b. (as needed) |
| Fine salt | q.b. (to taste) |
| Black pepper | q.b. (to taste) |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Potatoes: Start by placing the potatoes in a pot and cover them with plenty of water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for 30-50 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, peel the potatoes while they are still hot, then mash them thoroughly and set aside.
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Prepare the Condiment:
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- Clean the broccoli by cutting the florets into small pieces. Wash thoroughly and set aside.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil again. Once it’s boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook them for 5-6 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain the broccoli, making sure to reserve the cooking water for the pasta.
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Cook the Sausage:
- Remove the casing from the sausages and crumble them into small pieces.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
- Add the broccoli to the pan and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in some of the reserved cooking water from the broccoli and stir until the mixture forms a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Orecchiette:
- In the same pot where you boiled the broccoli, bring the water to a boil again. Add salt and cook the orecchiette according to the package instructions, ensuring they remain al dente.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain it, saving a bit of the cooking water.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Add the cooked orecchiette to the pan with the sausage and broccoli mixture. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to help combine everything into a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle the grated Grana Padano (or Parmesan) over the pasta and toss to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and create a rich, velvety sauce.
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Serve: Plate the dish, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for a finishing touch, and enjoy your creamy, savory Orecchiette with Potato Cream, Broccoli, and Sausage.
This comforting and hearty dish combines the earthy flavor of potatoes, the richness of sausage, and the freshness of broccoli, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the orecchiette. It’s the ideal meal for a cozy dinner, full of rustic flavors that come together effortlessly. The addition of Grana Padano gives the dish a delightful depth of flavor, making every bite a satisfying experience. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to family gatherings!
