If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that comes together effortlessly, let me introduce you to this sensational One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—thanks to the perfect balance of savory sausage, tender broccoli, and chewy orecchiette pasta, all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor fusion. The added touches of arugula and parmesan bring freshness and richness that keep every bite exciting, and the best part? Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant and tasty dish. Each item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the spicy undertone from the chili flakes or the nuttiness of the parmesan cheese—that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta: The small “little ears” pasta shape holds onto sauces beautifully for every bite.
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage: Adds a juicy, savory punch and a hint of sweetness to balance the greens.
- 15 oz. can chickpeas: Provides texture and a subtle nuttiness, plus extra protein to make this meal hearty.
- 1/2 cup sweet onion: Offers a mild sweetness that enhances the garlic and sausage flavors.
- 3 garlic cloves: Packed with fragrant, aromatic goodness that wakes up the entire dish.
- 3 cups fresh arugula: Adds a peppery brightness and lovely contrast to the richness of sausage and cheese.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Brings vibrant color and just the right crisp-tender bite to every forkful.
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and blends all the elements.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that complements Italian sausage beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds sweet, earthy notes that deepen the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat to brighten the savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to round out all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: To sauté the aromatics and enrich the dish with fruity warmth.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts in to create a creamy, savory finish that ties everything together.
- Extra parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and crushed red pepper: Perfect garnishes for an impressive presentation and layered flavors.
How to Make One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—this will be the flavorful foundation. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them just until fragrant and slightly softened. This brief cooking releases their sweet and pungent aromas, waking up your kitchen and setting the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, add the sliced sweet Italian sausage rounds to the skillet. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly. You’ll notice the fat rendering out, adding richness and depth to your base. This step is the key to that mouthwatering meaty flavor that partners beautifully with the veggies.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the orecchiette pasta. Stir it into the skillet along with your broth of choice, dried basil, oregano, and the optional red chili flakes. Bring this savory mixture to a boil before covering and reducing to a simmer. Allow the pasta to soak up the flavorful broth for about 4 minutes, resulting in a tender and well-seasoned base.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
When your pasta has absorbed some of the broth, add the broccoli florets right into the pot. Mix everything together, cover again, and continue cooking for 5 more minutes. The broccoli will turn vivid green and become perfectly tender while keeping a satisfying bit of crunch—a perfect textural balance.
Step 5: Incorporate Chickpeas
Once the broccoli is ready, remove the lid and add the chickpeas you drained and rinsed beforehand. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer uncovered for roughly 8 minutes. This lets the pasta finish cooking fully and the chickpeas warm through, absorbing some of those savory juices. The liquid will reduce down, coating everything beautifully.
Step 6: Stir in Greens
Finally, add the fresh arugula or your choice of greens into the pan. Stir just until the leaves begin to wilt but still retain their peppery freshness. This last addition brings a lovely vibrance and freshness that brightens the entire dish, making every bite well-balanced and inviting.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
The grand finale happens when you sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring it gently until melted and integrated. Then, plate up your creation garnishing with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick. Serve it warm and watch the smiles appear.
How to Serve One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add a wonderful pop of color and freshness, while extra parmesan lends an irresistible cheesy finish. If you love a little heat, don’t be shy with crushed red pepper flakes—they make this dish even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own but pairs perfectly with crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce. A crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also balance the rich sausage beautifully, providing refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe in rustic bowls for an intimate family-style meal, or elevate it on elegant white plates with extra herbs delicately sprinkled on top for a dinner party-ready presentation. Adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving boosts aroma and flavor tremendously.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making your second meal just as good as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes just fine. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water as you warm it to restore its creamy sauce consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and preserve those bright, fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can use spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the orecchiette pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety, and make sure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I add different vegetables in place of broccoli?
Definitely. Broccoli rabe, asparagus, or even green beans work well here, each bringing their own unique crunch and flavor to the dish.
How spicy is the recipe with chili flakes?
The red chili flakes add a gentle heat that’s adjustable—feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or increase for more kick.
Will the chickpeas make the dish too heavy?
Not at all! Chickpeas add a lovely, subtle nuttiness and extra protein, making the meal more satisfying without weighing it down.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe a try. It’s a shining example of how comfort food can be simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor all at once. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish will bring warmth and joy to the table every time.
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One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and hearty meal that combines tender orecchiette pasta with sweet Italian sausage, chickpeas, and vibrant broccoli florets. Cooked all in one skillet with aromatic garlic and onions, and finished with fresh arugula and parmesan cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta (whole wheat optional)
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage, cut into rounds
- 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped (or broccoli rabe)
- 3 cups fresh arugula (or greens of your choice)
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley and basil
- Extra crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sweet Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and begins to release its juices.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the orecchiette pasta, vegetable or chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red chili flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 4 minutes to let the pasta start absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Add Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender yet maintain a bright green color.
- Incorporate Chickpeas: Remove the lid and add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir gently and continue to simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is fully tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in Greens: Add the fresh arugula (or greens of your choice). Stir until just wilted and evenly mixed into the pasta and sausage mixture.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Garnish with additional parmesan, freshly chopped parsley and basil, and extra crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh side salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with broccoli rabe or any other green vegetable you prefer.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili flakes or use a spicy Italian sausage.
- Whole wheat orecchiette provides a nuttier flavor and adds fiber but regular pasta works just as well.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
