When it comes to feeding a hungry family, nothing beats a delicious and satisfying pasta dish. This easy sausage, broccoli, and Parmesan orecchiette pasta is not only budget-friendly but also simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 400g orecchiette pasta
- 4 Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot and add the sausage and broccoli mixture. Toss to combine, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves if desired.
Variations:
- Use any type of sausage you prefer, such as spicy Italian sausage or chicken sausage.
- Add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.
- Substitute the broccoli with another vegetable, such as spinach or peas.
This easy sausage, broccoli, and Parmesan orecchiette pasta is a budget-friendly and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and easy on the purse, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!
At home with Mrs E 