If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that comes together with minimal fuss, this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, ear-shaped pasta soaking up a rich broth infused with savory Italian sausage, bright pops of broccoli, and peppery arugula, all finished with a creamy parmesan kiss. It’s a beautifully balanced meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something hearty yet fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making the flavors sing in this dish. Each component is simple but essential, bringing unique notes from the spicy sausage and tender broccoli to the satisfying bite of the orecchiette pasta.
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta: The perfect shape to catch sauce and hold all the delicious bits.
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage, sliced: Adds savory richness and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- 15 oz. canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed: A great plant-based protein boost and texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Essential for that aromatic base that wakes up the palate.
- 3 cups fresh arugula: Peppery greens that add freshness and a lovely color pop.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped: Provides crunch and a bright, earthy flavor; broccoli rabe works too for a bit more bite.
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses everything with savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy herbaceousness that complements the sausage beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly minty undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional): Just a touch of heat to amp up the flavor if you like a little kick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for a creamy finish, plus extra for garnish.
- Freshly chopped parsley and basil: Bright, fresh herbs to lift the dish at the end.
- Extra crushed red pepper: Optional, for those who love an extra spicy touch when serving.
How to Make One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until their wonderful aromas fill the kitchen and they turn slightly softened. This step creates the flavorful foundation your dish needs.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add your sliced sweet Italian sausage to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sausage is just lightly browned and releasing its savory juices, adding rich flavor to the whole pot.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Now stir in your orecchiette pasta, followed by the broth, dried basil, oregano, and if you’re feeling daring, some red chili flakes. Bring everything up to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for 4 minutes. This lets the pasta soak up all those amazing broth flavors.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Time to brighten things up with your chopped broccoli florets. Stir them into the pot, cover again, and let the mixture cook for 5 more minutes. The broccoli will soften just enough to be tender but still pleasantly crisp and vibrantly green.
Step 5: Incorporate Chickpeas
Remove the lid and gently fold in the chickpeas. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook fully while the liquid absorbs, thickening the sauce naturally and tying all the ingredients together with perfect harmony.
Step 6: Stir in Greens and Finish
Lastly, add your fresh arugula or any greens you prefer, stirring until just wilted. Then sprinkle in the parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. Garnish with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, and a pinch more crushed red pepper if you like a little extra zing. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds an inviting look plus a burst of fresh, bright flavor. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can excite the palate further for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that savory sauce. A crisp side salad with vinaigrette can bring a refreshing crunch, balancing the hearty pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your one pot masterpiece straight from the skillet for a rustic vibe or plate it elegantly with a drizzle of good olive oil and a lemon wedge for a citrusy accent. For a family-style gathering, a warm wooden bowl with colorful garnishes always wins hearts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave out fresh greens and cheese, which are better added fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out. Add fresh arugula and parmesan right before serving for that fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Absolutely! Spicy sausage will add a nice heat to the dish, making it bold and flavorful. Simply adjust or omit the red chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.
Is it necessary to rinse canned chickpeas?
Yes, rinsing removes excess sodium and the canned flavor, resulting in a cleaner taste that blends harmoniously into the dish.
Can I substitute the arugula with other greens?
Definitely! Baby spinach, kale, or even thinly sliced broccoli rabe make excellent alternatives, adding different textures and flavors while keeping the dish fresh and vibrant.
What if I don’t have orecchiette pasta?
While orecchiette’s cup-like shape is perfect for this recipe, other short pasta like cavatappi, penne, or farfalle will work just fine as substitutes.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the sausage and increase the chickpeas or add mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth and consider adding more herbs and spices to boost the flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe enough — it’s a perfect blend of ease, comfort, and flavor that never disappoints. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish has all the right ingredients to become a fast favorite. Give it a try, and I promise it will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.
Print
One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pasta, savory sweet Italian sausage, nutritious chickpeas, and fresh vegetables like broccoli and arugula. Cooked all in one skillet, this recipe is perfect for a quick, comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta (whole wheat optional)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
Meat and Legumes
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage, cut into rounds
- 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 cups fresh arugula (or greens of your choice)
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped (or broccoli rabe)
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils and Cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley and basil (for garnish)
- Extra crushed red pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and beginning to release its juices.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the orecchiette pasta, vegetable or chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red chili flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 4 minutes. This allows the pasta to start absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Add Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender yet retain its bright green color.
- Incorporate Chickpeas: Remove the lid and add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir gently, then continue to simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in Greens: Add the fresh arugula or greens of your choice, stirring until just wilted and well-mixed into the pasta mixture.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, and extra red pepper flakes as desired. Serve warm, optionally alongside crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli rabe for broccoli florets for a slightly more bitter, traditional Italian flavor.
- Use whole wheat orecchiette to increase fiber content and make the dish more filling.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and increase chickpeas or add mushrooms for extra umami.
