Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausage – A Savory Delight
This hearty, rustic Italian dish, Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausage, is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can be combined to create a mouthwatering meal. The delightful combination of tender pasta, earthy broccoli, and savory sausage brings together the essence of traditional Italian cooking in a way that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Ideal for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Orecchiette pasta | 320g |
| Fresh broccoli (florets only) | 300g |
| Italian sausage (crumbled) | 300g |
| White wine | 40g |
| Garlic (whole) | 1 clove |
| Fresh thyme | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water heats, cut the broccoli into florets, making sure to remove the tough stems. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 6-7 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Set the broccoli aside, reserving the cooking water. |
| 2 | While the broccoli cooks, finely chop the fresh thyme and rosemary leaves. Set them aside. Next, crumble the sausage into small pieces using a fork, breaking it down into smaller, bite-sized chunks. |
| 3 | In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped thyme and rosemary to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic oils into the oil. |
| 4 | Once the herbs are fragrant, add the crumbled sausage to the pan. Sauté the sausage for 5-6 minutes until it becomes golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Then, pour in the white wine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. |
| 5 | Meanwhile, use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli from the water, being careful not to discard the water. Add the broccoli to the skillet with the sausage. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté everything together for another 3-4 minutes. |
| 6 | Once the broccoli and sausage are combined, remove the garlic clove from the pan using tongs. At this point, bring the reserved water from the broccoli back to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. |
| 7 | When the pasta is cooked, carefully scoop the orecchiette out of the water using a slotted spoon, transferring it directly into the skillet with the broccoli and sausage. If necessary, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help combine the sauce with the pasta. |
| 8 | Toss everything together in the pan, ensuring the orecchiette is well-coated with the savory sauce. Let the pasta and sauce sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. |
| 9 | Serve the Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausage immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Enjoy this flavorful, satisfying dish with a side of crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
Cooking Tips:
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Broccoli: For a slightly different flavor profile, you can try roasting the broccoli in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil before adding it to the skillet. This will caramelize the florets slightly and add a deeper, more complex taste.
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Sausage: If you prefer a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage. Alternatively, you can opt for a milder sausage if you’re serving it to children or guests who prefer less heat.
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Wine Substitution: If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.
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Make it Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a savory, meaty texture.
Conclusion
This Orecchiette with Broccoli and Sausage is a wonderful Italian comfort food dish, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and the result is a beautifully balanced dish that brings together fresh vegetables, hearty sausage, and the comforting chew of orecchiette pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
