Orecchiette with Ground Sausage and Broccoli in Butter Garlic Sauce: A Kid-Friendly Delight
- briancsetaro
- Oct 8, 2024
- 3 min read
When it comes to creating a delicious and family-friendly pasta dish, orecchiette with ground sausage and broccoli in a butter garlic sauce is a winning combination.
This simple yet flavorful recipe is a favorite in our household, especially since it caters to the kids' preference for broccoli over spinach. The dish strikes the perfect balance between savory sausage, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a luscious butter garlic sauce.
Here's how to make it at home.
Orecchiette with Ground Sausage and Broccoli in Butter Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
12 oz orecchiette pasta
1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
2 cups small broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Olive oil for cooking
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sausage and Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Blanch the Broccoli: In the same pot of boiling water used for the pasta, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Butter Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet used for the sausage, add the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the blanched broccoli. Toss to combine, then add the cooked orecchiette pasta. Stir everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
6. Serve: Serve the orecchiette hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for those who like extra cheesy goodness.
Why Broccoli Over Spinach?
In this recipe, I opted for broccoli instead of spinach, catering to the kids' preference. Broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and a mild flavor that complements the savory sausage and creamy sauce. The small florets are easy to eat and blend seamlessly with the orecchiette, making it a kid-friendly choice that still packs plenty of nutrients. This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables into a meal that children will enjoy.
This orecchiette with ground sausage and broccoli in butter garlic sauce is a quick and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying dish that everyone will love. It's a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes, whether by adding more vegetables, using a different type of sausage, or even experimenting with different pasta shapes. Enjoy this delightful pasta dish with your loved ones and savor the simple joys of home-cooked comfort food.