Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Based on a recipe from Lidia’s Italian Table by Lidia Bastianich. It is a very quick and easy Italian meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orecchiette

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 pound broccoli florets

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ½ cup freshly grated pecorino Romano

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions.

2. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat add the sausage and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned. Reduce the heat to medium then add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add the remaining olive oil, chicken broth, broccoli, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted and simmer for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.

4. Drain the pasta well and place back in the pasta pot. Add the sausage and broccoli mixture, along with half of the cheese, and toss to blend. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Serve with the remaining grated cheese.

Keywords: Main Pasta Italian