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
Scale
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.
