14 Mar 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
12 oz whole-wheat pasta
14 oz vienna sausage
6.50 cups broccoli
2 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
If you're looking for a delicious and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, try making Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli. This recipe combines whole-wheat pasta, savory Vienna sausages, and fresh broccoli, all brought together with a touch of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It's a balanced dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the broccoli florets into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
- While the pasta is cooking, bring another pot of water to a boil.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still vibrant green.
- Drain the broccoli and set aside.
4. Sauté the Sausage and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Combine and Season:
- Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the sausage and garlic, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Season the pasta mixture with a dash of salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and gently toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve the Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips:
- For al dente pasta, be sure to follow the cooking time on the package and taste-test a minute before the end time.
- Slice the Vienna sausages thinly to ensure they heat evenly and develop a nice color.
- Steam the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Don't skimp on the garlic— it adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes along with the salt and black pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor, and consider adding an extra handful if you love cheese.
Enjoy your satisfying and nutritious Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli. This dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, and the best part is that it’s both wholesome and easy to prepare. Share this meal with your loved ones and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cooking.