Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
"Orecchiette Pasta paired with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is a go-to choice for my weeknight dinners; it’s a hit with my family!"
Get the Calorie Master app
Download on the App Store for the best experience.
Ingredients
- 14 oz package Italian chicken sausage
- 12 oz uncooked Orecchiette pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
- 6 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Fill a sizable pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a vigorous boil.
- 2
In the meantime, warm up a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown for approximately 5 to 7 minutes; then take it off the heat.
- 3
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, introduce the pasta and return it to a boil. When the water is bubbling again, incorporate the broccoli and cook as per the pasta package directions until both are al dente.
- 4
Just before the pasta finishes cooking, set aside about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- 5
Place the empty pot back on the burner, turning the heat to high. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and once it’s hot, add the garlic. Sauté until it turns a lovely golden hue, which should take around 1 minute. Then, lower the heat and add the pasta back along with the sausage.
- 6
Stir everything together thoroughly, then add the remaining olive oil, grated cheese, and season with salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring to mix well and mash any large broccoli pieces to break them down.
- 7
Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and combine thoroughly, adding more as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
- 8
Serve the dish in pasta bowls, offering extra grated cheese on the side if you wish.
Nutrition Information
Notes & Tips
- Makes 9 1/2 cups.