Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli is a classic Italian recipe that’s both simple and bursting with flavor. It's the perfect dish for those nights when you need a satisfying meal that comes together quickly. With savory Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and creamy mascarpone cheese, this one-pan wonder combines protein, vegetables, and everyone's favorite comfort food—pasta.
I love making pasta with sausage and broccoli because it never fails to get the whole family excited to come to the dinner table. This all-in-one dish truly has everything you need for a complete meal. The pasta and sausage bring a hearty, satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender goodness of broccoli. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel good about what you’re serving.
The best part? The mascarpone cheese. It adds a creamy richness that ties all the flavors together, making every bite irresistible. Everyone in my house loves this dish—even the broccoli disappears from the plates, which is always a win. Knowing that this meal is both delicious and well-balanced makes it a go-to in our dinner rotation.
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Ingredients
- Orecchiette Pasta – Choose a high-quality brand of orecchiette for the best texture. The small, ear-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce.
- Italian Sausage – Opt for a good-quality Italian sausage, either mild or spicy depending on your preference. Remove the casing before cooking or purchase ground sausage.
- Shallot – Dice the shallots finely to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. They add flavor and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic – Mince fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic will work.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Use red pepper flakes to add a little heat. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your dishes.
- Broccoli Florets – Cut fresh broccoli into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly when added to the pasta.
- Mascarpone Cheese – Mascarpone adds a rich and creamy texture. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before adding to the pasta to help it melt smoothly.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook sausage for about 5 minutes or until browned. Drain any extra grease. Add in diced shallot, garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute for about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the parboiled broccoli directly into the pan with the sausage. Mix to combine.
- Step 3: Combine the cooked pasta with mascarpone cheese and a bit of the pasta water.
- Step 4: Add pasta into the pan with the sausage and broccoli, mix to combine and cook a ffew minutes until heated through. Toss with parmesan cheese in a big pasta bowl before serving.
Hint: Cook the pasta to al dente as it will continue to cook once it is added to the pan.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Sausage – Use mild, sweet or hot Italian sausage. Use chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Cheese – You can use ricotta cheese or cream cheese instead of mascarpone. The flavor and texture will vary slightly but it will still be a delicious dish.
- Vegetables – Add additional vegetables such as broccoli rabe, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers or sundried tomatoes.
- Herbs – Add fresh herbs such as basil, thyme or oregano.
Storage
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Cooking Tips
- Cook the pasta to al dente.
- Cook the sausage until it’s well-browned breaking the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Be careful not to burn the shallots or garlic.
- Precook the broccoli in the boiling pasta water.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. Use it to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Mix the cheese until it is melted and well-combined.
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute orecchiette with other small pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or rotini. Choose a pasta that will hold the sauce well.
To use frozen broccoli, add the frozen broccoli directly to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. Cook until it is thawed and tender.
Orecchiette is an Italian word that translates to "little ears." The name refers to the pasta's shape, which resembles small, rounded ears.
Pairing
Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli is a satisfying all-in-one dish that can stand alone with just a side of crusty bread for a simple meal. However, if you’re looking to make it a more substantial dinner, consider pairing it with a crisp, refreshing salad—such as a house salad or Sweet and Crunchy Broccoli Slaw, Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze or Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette.
Serve a hearty side like Oven Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest or Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon. A side of garlic bread or a warm focaccia can complement the creamy pasta and add an extra layer of comfort to your meal.
More Pasta Recipes
Here are more of my favorite pasta recipes:
If you like this Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 16 ounces orecchiette pasta (dry)
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1 shallot peeled and diced
- ½ Tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place orecchiette in a pot of boiling water and cook for 9 minutes or to instructions on pasta package. While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet on medium high heat and cook sausage for about 5 minutes or until browned. Drain any extra grease. Add in diced shallot, garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute for about 2 minutes.
- When the pasta has 4 minutes remaining to boil add in the broccoli florets. Allow to cook for 2 minutes. With a strainer or ladle, remove the broccoli and place directly into the pan with the sausage. Mix to combine.
- When the pasta is done cooking, drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water. Add mascarpone cheese directly into the pot with the pasta along with the pasta water. Mix until the cheese has fully melted.
- Add pasta into the pan with the sausage and broccoli, mix to combine. Toss with parmesan cheese in a big bowl before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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