One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccolini
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
458 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccolini
Description
One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccolini is a hearty pasta dish that starts by browning Italian sausage alongside diced onions in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Garlic and crushed red pepper add aroma and gentle heat. Chicken broth is then added along with dry orecchiette pasta and salt, creating a flavorful simmering liquid that cooks the pasta directly in the pan. Once the pasta is nearly done, cut broccolini is added to cook until tender but still vibrant.
The cooking method integrates flavors as the pasta absorbs the seasoned broth, and the sausage lends richness. The broth reduces slightly, coating the pasta and broccolini. The dish can be served topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to add brightness and creaminess.
This one-pot approach reduces cleanup and yields a balanced combination of protein, vegetable, and starch in one dish. Adjusting ingredients like using broccoli, broccoli rabe, or varying spice levels is possible.
For a traditional approach, the pasta can be cooked separately and combined with the sausage and vegetables, which shortens cooking time but adds extra pots. Timing the addition of broccolini or broccoli rabe accordingly prevents overcooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage sweet or hot, casings removed if in links, ground
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional, for spice (omit if using hot sausage)
- 2.5 cups chicken broth preferably low sodium, or vegetable broth, or water
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta or other preferred pasta shape/kind
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt more if needed
- 1 lb. broccolini cut into 1/2" pieces, (or broccoli, fresh or frozen, or broccoli rabe)
- Parmesan Cheese for serving (optional, grated|chopped|fresh cracked
- parsley
- black pepper
Instructions
- Add the sausage (1 lb.) and onions to a large, deep skillet, pot, or Dutch Oven with a lid (make sure it's big enough to add the pasta in later!). Cook over medium high heat until the sausage has browned and the onions have softened, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and crushed red pepper (1/4 teaspoon) if using. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until garlic is fragrant. If you find that some of the sausage has stuck to the bottom of the pan, add 2-4 tablespoons of water, chicken broth, or white wine to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to help dislodge any stuck-on bits.
- Add chicken broth (2.5 cups) and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, along with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (if using water, use 1 full teaspoon, and if using a chicken broth with lots of sodium, omit entirely).
- Stir, turn heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes (at this point, the pasta won't be entirely cooked yet). Add the broccoli, stir, cover, and simmer for another 3-5 minutes, until pasta is fully cooked and broccoli has softened and turned a bright green. (If it seems a little "soupy" but the pasta is fully cooked, I recommend letting it sit uncovered for 5-10 minutes to allow it to cool, thicken, and the steam to evaporate a bit.)
- Serve with fresh grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, fresh cracked black pepper, and a little more crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
- For less cookware, this dish cooks everything in one pot but takes slightly longer than cooking pasta separately.
- If cooking pasta separately, add it to the sausage and vegetables with some pasta water for finishing.
- Add broccoli rabe near the end (after 14 minutes) and cook for only 1-2 minutes for best texture.
- Broccoli can be used interchangeably with broccolini or frozen broccoli with minor timing adjustments.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 458 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 458kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 803mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 393mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1359IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 73mg | 81% |
| Calcium | 85mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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