Description
This One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender orecchiette pasta with savory sweet Italian sausage, nutritious chickpeas, and fresh broccoli florets. Cooked all together in one skillet with aromatic onions, garlic, and fragrant herbs, this recipe is a quick and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights. Finished with fresh arugula and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and well-balanced dish that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta (whole wheat optional)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
Proteins
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage, cut into rounds
- 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Greens
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped (or broccoli rabe)
- 3 cups fresh arugula (or greens of your choice)
Herbs, Spices, and Flavorings
- 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 the chopped sweet onion and finely chopped garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sweet Italian sausage rounds to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and begins to release its juices, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 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. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce heat to a simmer. Let cook for 4 minutes, allowing the pasta to start absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Add Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir gently to combine them evenly with the pasta and sausage. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the broccoli become tender yet retain its bright green color.
- Incorporate Chickpeas: Remove the lid and add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Stir gently to distribute them throughout. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is fully tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in Greens: Add the fresh arugula or your choice of greens. Stir until the greens are just wilted and well incorporated into the pasta mixture, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the dish.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Garnish with additional parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, basil, and extra crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or skip it entirely and increase the chickpeas for protein.
- Using whole wheat orecchiette adds extra fiber for a healthier option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add some crushed red pepper during cooking.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
