One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

This One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is the kind of dinner you dream about on a busy weeknight. It’s a complete meal that’s bursting with savory flavors, comes together in under 30 minutes, and leaves you with only one pan to clean. The irresistible combination of tender pasta, juicy Italian sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and creamy parmesan is comfort food made effortless. Each bite is layered with herby goodness and a gentle heat you can dial up or down, making this dish adaptable, satisfying, and joyfully simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather what you love, and don’t stress too much about being exact—this is a dish made for real life.

• Olive oil: For sautéing and bringing a rich, Mediterranean aroma.
• Sweet onion: Adds a mellow, savory base; can swap for yellow or red onion as needed.
• Garlic: Finely chopped for an aromatic, flavorful punch—essential in Italian-inspired dishes!
• Sweet Italian sausage: Sliced for hearty bites throughout; opt for spicy sausage if you like more heat.
• Orecchiette pasta: Their unique “little ears” shape scoops up all the sauce and bits, but shells or penne can step in if needed.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it cooks—use what you have on hand.
• Dried oregano & dried basil: Classic Italian herbs for warmth and depth; dried works perfectly here.
• Red chili flakes: Optional, but just a pinch can bring the whole pot to life.
• Arugula or other leafy greens: Tossed in at the end for freshness; baby spinach, kale, or even chard work well.
• Broccoli florets: For crunch and color; broccoli rabe gives a pleasantly bitter edge.
• Chickpeas: Adds a subtle nuttiness and extra protein; don’t skip the draining and rinsing.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for a creamy, salty finish; the more, the merrier!
• Salt & pepper: To bring out all the flavors.
• Garnishes: Extra parmesan, freshly chopped parsley and basil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for serving.

Note: Fresh greens wilt quickly, so add them just at the end for best texture and color.

Variations

There’s plenty of room to play with this recipe—think of it as your creative canvas!

• Vegetarian Twist: Omit the sausage and add extra chickpeas or even white beans for more plant-based protein.
• Swap the Protein: Try smoked chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even crumbled tofu for something different.
• Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower can join the party for extra crunch or sweetness.
• Spice Level: Use hot Italian sausage or double the chili flakes if you want to crank up the heat.
• Pasta Swap: Any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or shells will work well—just adjust simmer time as needed.

How to Make One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 1–2 minutes until everything’s fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 2: Add the Sausage

Toss in the sausage rounds and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, letting them brown up and release their juices—this is where much of your flavor is built.

Step 3: Simmer with Pasta and Herbs

Stir in the dry orecchiette, pour in the broth, and add oregano, basil, and that optional pinch of red chili flakes. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and drop the heat to a simmer. Cook for 4 minutes so the pasta starts absorbing the flavorful broth.

Step 4: Broccoli Time

Add your chopped broccoli, give it a good stir, cover again, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The broccoli should turn bright green and just tender.

Step 5: Chickpeas & Final Simmer

Stir in the drained chickpeas. Remove the lid and continue simmering for about 8 minutes more, or until the pasta is just al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed, creating a silky sauce.

Step 6: Greens and Cheese Magic

Fold in the arugula (or greens of choice) and stir until just wilted. Sprinkle plenty of parmesan over the top. Finish with fresh parsley, basil, and a touch more chili flakes for a dash of color and extra zing.

Serve immediately, while it’s steamy and luscious!

How to Serve

This dish shines as a one-bowl meal, but feel free to lean into the Italian comfort-food vibes:

• Garnishes: Add a shower of extra parmesan, a handful of fresh herbs, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
• Pairings: Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for mopping up the sauce.
• Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti perfectly complements all the savory flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce overnight—but that just adds to the flavor!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Stir well and top with extra parmesan before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than a cozy dinner that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and leaves your kitchen almost as clean as when you started. One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is all of those things—along with being infinitely adaptable and just plain fun to make. Give this recipe a try, explore a few of your own twists, and savor every bite of this easy weeknight winner.

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