Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a classic Italian pasta dish that perfectly balances hearty, savory flavors with wholesome ingredients. The ear-shaped orecchiette pasta cradles crumbles of juicy Italian sausage and tender broccoli florets, all tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce.
A hint of chili flakes adds subtle heat, while grated Parmesan finishes the dish with a touch of richness. Simple yet deeply satisfying, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
It’s a one-pan wonder that captures the essence of rustic Italian comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli is a rustic southern Italian dish that perfectly blends simplicity and bold flavor. “Orecchiette,” meaning “little ears” in Italian, is a small pasta shape that holds sauce exceptionally well.
Traditionally paired with leafy greens like rapini or broccoli rabe, and balanced with the rich, savory notes of Italian sausage, this dish is both hearty and nutritious.
It’s commonly served in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, and has gained international appeal for its ease and comforting taste.
This recipe brings together tender orecchiette pasta, flavorful sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli in a garlicky, olive-oil-rich sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of under 40 minutes, this is a perfect weeknight meal that feels elevated but approachable.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a classic Italian pasta dish that balances hearty flavors with simple ingredients.
The "little ear"-shaped orecchiette perfectly cradles crumbled Italian sausage, while tender broccoli florets add a vibrant, slightly bitter contrast.
Garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil enhance the dish with bold, rustic aromas, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese brings everything together.
Quick to prepare yet full of rich, savory notes, this one-pan meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
It’s both comforting and satisfying, celebrating the essence of Southern Italian cooking with every bite.
Once the water is boiling, add the orecchiette pasta. About 4 minutes before the pasta is done cooking (check the box for time, usually around 10-12 minutes total), toss in the broccoli florets. This method saves time and reduces the number of pots. Cook until the broccoli is just tender but still vibrant green.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, which helps create a silky sauce later. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Cook until browned and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes. If using spicy sausage, adjust the red pepper flakes accordingly. You can also drain excess fat, depending on your preference.
Push the sausage to the side of the pan and add another 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil, then toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, but not browned. Stir everything together to combine.
Add the drained orecchiette and broccoli into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Toss well to combine.
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Stir over low heat until everything is well coated and warmed through—about 2–3 minutes.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, mixing until melted into the sauce.
Add a final drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest or parsley for color and aroma.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a timeless dish from southern Italy, particularly Puglia, that combines simple, hearty ingredients into a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
The name "orecchiette" translates to "little ears," which perfectly describes the pasta’s unique shape—designed to catch sauces and bits of meat or vegetables in each bite.
While the base recipe is straightforward—orecchiette pasta, Italian sausage, broccoli, garlic, and olive oil—there are a number of ways to elevate the flavors and textures.
Here’s a deep dive into how to get the best results, along with serving tricks that will impress your guests or family.
Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli is more than just pasta—it's a comforting, flavorful dish that celebrates Italian home cooking.
The combination of chewy pasta, savory sausage, and vibrant green broccoli in a garlic-infused sauce is both satisfying and simple.
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this meal delivers big flavor with little effort. Best of all, it's adaptable to your pantry and taste preferences.
With a good olive oil drizzle and a final dusting of cheese, every bite is a reminder of how beautiful simplicity in cooking can be.
