Have you ever had one of those days where you just crave something savory, yet comforting, that wraps you in a cozy culinary hug? Well, let me tell you, this Creamy Broccoli Sausage Pasta is like that old sweater you can’t throw away—it’s warm, familiar, and oh-so-satisfying.
Picture this: tender broccoli florets mingling with spicy sausage, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every curve of the pasta.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget about the pile of laundry in the corner or the email you forgot to send. Honestly, I stumbled upon this recipe one chilly afternoon when I had limited ingredients but a whole lot of hunger.
You know how it goes—sometimes necessity really is the mother of invention. And honestly, who knew broccoli could be this exciting?
This recipe is like a playlist of your favorite hits, with each bite singing a different tune of flavor. Let’s just say, if this pasta were a movie, it’d win all the awards.
So, grab your fork, and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the orecchiette according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it begins to brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in the remaining olive oil, chicken broth, broccoli, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently and cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the butter until it melts, then let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Combine it with the sausage-broccoli mixture and half of the grated cheese, tossing everything together well.
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or individual portions, and sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), removed from casings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3744 | Fat: 168 g | Saturated Fat: 60 g | Carbohydrates: 384 g | Sugar: 18 g | Fiber: 12 g | Protein: 174 g | Sodium: 4152 mg | Cholesterol: 306 mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta if I can’t find orecchiette?
- Yes, you can substitute orecchiette with other pasta types like farfalle or fusilli if needed.
- What can I use if I don’t have Pecorino Romano cheese?
- If Pecorino Romano isn’t available, you can replace it with Parmigiano Reggiano without compromising much on flavor.
- Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
- To add more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of the sweet variety.
- How can I store leftovers, and can they be frozen?
- This dish can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of water or broth to restore moisture.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- To create a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and consider adding more vegetables or a meat substitute, such as plant-based sausage.
Tips
- If orecchiette is unavailable, consider using other types of pasta like farfalle or fusilli as suitable substitutes.
- Opt for bulk sausage or sausage meat without casings to simplify preparation; if unavailable, simply remove the casing from regular sausages.
- Use Pecorino Romano for its distinct flavor, but if it’s not available, Parmigiano Reggiano works as a great alternative.
- To enhance the sauce’s flavor, ensure to scrape the skillet’s bottom while cooking to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality large skillet is essential for cooking the sausage and broccoli mixture.
- Pasta Pot with Strainer – A dedicated pasta pot with a built-in strainer can make draining the pasta easier.
- Cheese Grater – If you don’t already have one, a cheese grater is necessary for freshly grating pecorino Romano.
- Garlic Press – For mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
- Cooking Spoon – A sturdy cooking spoon is helpful for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients.
