Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

• 16 ounces broccoli florets (about 2 small crowns)
• 1 pound Orecchiette pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 16 ounces raw Italian sausage
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 cups reserved pasta water
• topping: grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, red pepper flakes, freshly cracked pepper, flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep broccoli: clean and trim broccoli. Chop florets into small pieces.

2. 2

   Cook pasta as directed on the package, but take off the heat 2 minutes early. BE SURE TO RESERVE 2 CUPS PASTA WATER.

3. 3

   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. When it’s hot, add sausage to the pan, breaking it up with the back of a spatula or spoon. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until browned.

4. 4

   Add chopped broccoli and garlic to the pan, tossing everything together. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until broccoli has softened. Add a sprinkle of water to help steam (and soften up) the broccoli.

5. 5

   When pasta is finished cooking, add the drained pasta to the pan, along with 1/2 of the pasta water.

6. 6

   Toss everything together and add extra pasta water if the mixture seems dry.

7. 7

   Serve with desired toppings: Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked pepper to taste.