Orecchiette with Baby Broccoli, Chicken Sausage and Pesto

This orecchiette pasta dish is a true weeknight hero, coming together in just 25 minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients. Tender baby broccoli and savory chicken sausage are the stars, all coated in a vibrant pesto sauce that brings everything together.

With a hint of chili flakes for a gentle kick and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this meal is both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat for busy evenings when you crave something homemade and delicious.

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Ingredients

9 ounce Italian Chicken SausageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Orecchiette PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Baby BroccoliView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce PestoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Trim and discard the bottom inch of the baby broccoli, then cut stalks and florets into 1-inch pieces. Remove the sausage from its casings.
2. Add the orecchiette to the boiling water. Cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the baby broccoli and cook until tender, 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Heat another drizzle of olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it up into pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through, 4-5 minutes. Add a pinch of chili flakes (if desired) and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Add the pasta, baby broccoli, half of the Parmesan cheese, the reserved pasta water and the pesto to the pan.
6. Toss until the pasta is coated in a saucy coating, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli or penne works well in this recipe.

Can I substitute the chicken sausage?

Absolutely! Italian pork sausage or turkey sausage are great alternatives.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the sausage and pesto are gluten-free.