Orecchiette With Sausage And Broccoli

Ingredients:

1 pound orecchiette

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 pound broccoli florets

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano

Instructions:

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 to 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 to 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.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Certainly! While orecchiette works well, you can use your favorite pasta variety as a substitute.

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Is it necessary to use extra virgin olive oil, or can I use regular olive oil?

You can use regular olive oil if you don’t have extra virgin olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil adds a robust flavor, but regular olive oil works fine too.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the sausage or replace it with a vegetarian alternative.

You can enhance flavor with additional herbs and spices.

Can I prepare the broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop and blanch the broccoli in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning during cooking?

Keep the heat at medium and add the garlic after browning the sausage.

Stir continuously and cook for only 1 minute to avoid burning.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Certainly, frozen broccoli can be used.

Adjust cooking time as needed and add it directly to the skillet without blanching.

Is there a substitute for chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube can be used as an alternative to chicken broth.

Can I use a different cheese instead of pecorino Romano?

Yes, Parmesan or Asiago cheese can be used as substitutes for pecorino Romano.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.