Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Creamy Orecchiette Pasta with Italian Sausage and Broccolini. This delectable dish tantalizes your taste buds with a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Plump orecchiette pasta embraces a creamy sauce enriched with savory Italian sausage, vibrant broccolini, and a touch of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. As you twirl each forkful, the creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, while the succulent sausage and crisp-tender broccolini add delightful bursts of flavor. This culinary masterpiece is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes that add a pop of color. Prepare to be captivated by this creamy orecchiette pasta, a dish that will leave you craving more.
In addition to the main recipe, this article offers a collection of equally enticing variations to suit diverse preferences. Craving a vegetarian option? Simply omit the sausage and amp up the vegetables with roasted red peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil. Experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, to create unique flavor combinations. And don't forget to explore the delightful world of sauces, from a classic tomato sauce to a creamy pesto sauce. Each variation promises a culinary adventure that will leave you satisfied and inspired.
ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI
This orecchiette pasta dish is packed with flavor and quick to make -- and the whole family gobbles it up, broccoli and all.
Provided by Jennifer Segal, adapted from
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium high heat. Crumble the sausage into the skillet and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until lightly browned, 5-6 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic; cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil, chicken broth, broccoli, salt and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful brown bits, until the broccoli is tender-crisp, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted and simmer for a few minutes to reduce and concentrate the sauce.
- Drain the pasta well and place back in the pasta pot. Add the sausage and broccoli mixture, along with half of the cheese, and toss to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls and pass the remaining grated cheese at the table.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated on the stovetop. If the dish has dried out a bit in the freezer, add a little water or broth while reheating. Just take care only to reheat it and not continue to cook it.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 624, Fat 28 g, Carbohydrate 64 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sugar 3 g, Fiber 2 g, Sodium 692 mg, Cholesterol 51 mg
ORECCHIETTE WITH BROCCOLINI AND SAUSAGE
Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil; add a generous amount of salt. Add the orecchiette and cook to al dente (take 3 minutes off of the time on the box; it'll finish cooking later). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until brown, about 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, keeping the fat in the skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the broccolini and cook until crisp-tender, about 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low. Add the pasta and sausage to the skillet along with the Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, a couple of pinches of crushed red pepper and a bunch of turns of black pepper. Stir in a few tablespoons of the pasta water and continue to cook, stirring, until glossy, adding more pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Sprinkle with more Parmesan before serving.
ORECCHIETTE WITH BROCCOLI RABE & SAUSAGE
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 55m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prick the sausages with a fork and place them on a sheet pan. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until just cooked through. Slice 1/2 inch thick and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Add the sausage slices and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pieces are browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and their juices, the red wine, tomato paste, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and let the mixture simmer over low heat while you prepare the pasta and broccoli.
- Bring a very large pot half filled with water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook for 9 minutes exactly. While the pasta is cooking, trim the broccoli rabe to just below the leaves and discard the stems. Cut the leafy part of the broccoli rabe crosswise in 2-inch pieces. When the pasta has cooked for 9 minutes, add the broccoli rabe to the pasta and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Drain in a large colander, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, and add the pasta and broccoli to the pot with the tomato and sausage mixture. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of salt. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved cooking liquid. Taste for seasonings, and serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. If you add too much pasta or sausage to the pan, it will not cook evenly.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
- Don't overcook the vegetables. Broccolini should be cooked until it is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
- Add the cheese at the end. This will help to prevent it from curdling.
- Serve the pasta immediately. This dish is best enjoyed while it is hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
This creamy orecchiette pasta with Italian sausage and broccolini is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of creamy sauce, spicy sausage, and tender broccolini is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this recipe a try!
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