15 Minute Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli
Whip up a quick and delicious meal with this Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli recipe! This dish combines flavorful sausage, nutritious broccoli, and al dente pasta in a savory sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
A Quick and Delicious Orecchiette Pasta Dish
Imagine a dish that brings the whole family together on a busy weeknight, a plate full of flavorful orecchiette pasta mixed with hearty chunks of mild Italian sausage and tender broccoli florets. This simple, yet scrumptious sausage broccoli pasta is not only a delight to the taste buds but is also so easy to whip up. With prep and cooking time totaling just 15 minutes, you’ll have a perfect weeknight dinner ready in no time.
Whether you prefer the spicy kick of hot Italian sausage or the subtle sweetness of its mild counterpart, this recipe caters to all preferences. Using just a few simple ingredients easily found in your grocery store, this pasta dish promises to deliver so much flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of easy meal that makes a regular appearance in our dinner rotation, proving that good things indeed come in small packages – or, in this case, pots!
Why you’ll love this broccoli pasta recipe:
Ingredients for Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli
- 2 cups orecchiette pasta: Perfect for holding onto every bit of our savory sauce.
- 16 oz mild Italian sausage: For a rich, meaty foundation. Feel free to swap with hot Italian sausage or sweet Italian sausage if that’s more to your taste.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds a crisp, verdant contrast to the savory sausages.
- 1 diced shallot and ½ tablespoon minced fresh garlic: The aromatic base that ups the flavor profile significantly.
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese: This creamy cheese melds everything together beautifully.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: For that sharp, cheesy goodness that makes everything better.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Add a little heat if you like your pasta with a kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water- Drop your pasta in and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente. Usually, this takes around 9 to 11 minutes, but keep an eye out; perfectly cooked pasta makes all the difference.
- Cook the sausage- While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (you can go for either hot Italian sausage for a bit of spice or sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor), breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain excess grease to keep things light.
- Sauté shallots, garlic, and broccoli- In the same skillet, add diced shallots, fresh garlic, and broccoli florets. Sauté until they’re just tender. If you prefer a slight crunch to your broccoli, keep the cooking time short.
- Mix in cheeses- Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot and stir in mascarpone cheese, letting it melt into a creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese for that perfect flavor profile.
- Combine everything- Add the cheesy pasta into the skillet with your sausage and broccoli mix. Stir everything together, ensuring the saucy, cheesy goodness coats every piece of pasta and veggie.
- Serve hot- Dish out generous servings and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your delicious sausage broccoli pasta.
Variations and Substitutions
Let’s talk about how you can make this sausage and broccoli pasta match your taste or dietary needs perfectly.
- If you’re all about the spice, go for a hot Italian sausage to add a fiery twist. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- If milder flavors are more your style, a sweet Italian sausage will work wonders without overwhelming your taste buds.
- For those of us navigating gluten sensitivities, there’s no need to miss out – choose gluten-free pasta options to keep everything on the menu.
- For a lighter dish, use turkey sausage.
- Make this dish with a different type of pasta. Try bow-tie pasta or penne pasta for a fun twist.
- Garnish with some lemon zest or fresh basil and top with a little extra cheese.
Storing Leftovers: Maintaining Freshness
After enjoying a delightful dinner of pasta with sausage and broccoli, you might find yourself with some leftovers. The best way to keep them fresh is to scoop any remaining pasta into an airtight container. This simple step ensures your delicious meal stays as tasty as it was when you first made it. You can store this airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal for another busy evening.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat. Add a little bit of water or chicken broth to help it regain that perfect texture. This easy method preserves the wonderful flavors and makes sure the pasta doesn’t dry out.
Your New Favorite Go-To Meal Awaits
If you’re anything like me, finding that perfect weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes can be a bit of a juggle. It needs to be flavorful, easy to make, and something the whole family will love. Well, let me introduce you to your new go-to recipe: Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli. This easy meal made with simple ingredients comes together quickly to create something truly special.
Imagine tender orecchiette pasta, savory Italian sausage, and fresh, vibrant broccoli all tossed together in a creamy sauce that just wraps every bite in comfort. Whether you prefer your sausage sweet or kicking with a bit of spice, this recipe adapts to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens for the kids without any fuss.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and a cooking time that’s clocked to keep your evening plans on schedule, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again. It’s an easy pasta dish that delivers much flavor with every forkful. So, the next time you’re staring down a busy weeknight, remember this satisfying, easy meal is just a few simple steps away from bringing a little joy to your dinner table. Give it a try; it might just become your favorite pasta dish, too.
More Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes
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15 Minute Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups orecchiette pasta
- 16 oz Italian sausage hot or mild
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 shallot diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente.
- While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (you can go for either hot Italian sausage for a bit of spice or sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor), breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, add diced shallots, fresh garlic, and broccoli florets. Sauté until they’re just tender. If you prefer a slight crunch to your broccoli, keep the cooking time short.
- Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot and stir in mascarpone cheese, letting it melt into a creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and stir again to combine.
- Add the cheesy pasta into the skillet with your sausage and broccoli mix. Stir everything together, ensuring the saucy, cheesy goodness coats every piece of pasta and veggie.
