If you’re in the mood for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that saves you precious time—and dishes!—the One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together savory sausage, cheerful green broccoli, and those delightful little “ears” of orecchiette pasta all in a single pot with a creamy Parmesan finish. It’s a weeknight winner, a soulful Sunday supper, and honestly, a crowd-pleaser for any night you want something delicious with minimum fuss.

One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a handful of humble, everyday ingredients come together to create a meal bursting with color, texture, and big Italian flavors. Each component is chosen with care—from the orecchiette’s perfect bite to the sausage’s rich punch and zesty finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Orecchiette Pasta (12 oz): These adorable “little ears” are just the right shape to hold sauce and flavorful bits of sausage and broccoli.
Italian Sausage (1 lb, mild or spicy, casings removed): This is the backbone of the recipe, adding hearty, savory goodness and plenty of flavor. Choose spicy if you love a little kick!
Broccoli Florets (4 cups, fresh or frozen): Bringing crunch, vibrant color, and loads of nutrients to the table, broccoli is essential here. Frozen works in a pinch.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing beats fresh garlic for a depth of flavor that weaves through every bite.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle background heat that perks up the whole dish—skip it or double it based on your heat tolerance.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, plus extra for serving): Melts in to create a salty, creamy finish that ties everything together.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A splash at the start builds a flavorful base and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups): Cooking the pasta directly in the broth adds flavor and creates a silky sauce, no draining needed.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Finish with these essentials to make every flavor sing.
Lemon Zest (zest of 1 lemon, optional): For a pop of brightness that lifts the whole dish, especially lovely in spring and summer.

How to Make One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Drizzle the olive oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through—about 6 to 7 minutes. The little browned bits are flavor gold, so scrape any that stick to the pot’s bottom; they’ll add delicious depth to the sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and (if you’re feeling bold) those red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for about a minute, just until the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible and the garlic is fragrant but not burned. This step is where the flavor really starts to bloom!

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the dry orecchiette and the chicken broth all at once. Give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom to blend those sausage and garlic flavors into the bubbling liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a steady simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes so nothing sticks, until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the broth has been soaked up. Trust the process—no draining required!

Step 4: Add Broccoli

With about 5 minutes left on your timer, toss the broccoli florets right into the pot. The steam and broth will cook them to a lovely tender-crisp, and they’ll pick up all the savory goodness already mingling in the pot. Both fresh and frozen broccoli work beautifully, so use what you have on hand!

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Lemon

Once the orecchiette and broccoli are just right, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest if you want a bright, fresh accent. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a minute to rest—the sauce will thicken up just enough to coat every cheesy, sausage-packed bite.

How to Serve One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

A final snowfall of extra Parmesan is a must here—nothing beats that salty richness on top! Try a shower of fresh lemon zest or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of garden brightness. For a crunchy touch, toasted breadcrumbs are also delightful.

Side Dishes

Because the One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is so nourishing, you don’t need much on the side. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a basket of warm, crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce will complete your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, spoon the finished pasta into a colorful serving bowl and top with lemon zest and microgreens. For family-style dining, bring the whole pot right to the table and let everyone help themselves—homey, warm, and so inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe are pure gold. Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch almost better than tonight’s dinner!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers in individual portions. Simply stash them in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (let out as much air as possible), and freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to reawaken the sauce, then warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat. A microwave works, too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through. Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan before serving for that just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While orecchiette holds the sausage and broccoli perfectly, small shells or cavatelli will also work. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers.

What if I want to make it vegetarian?

No problem—substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage, or use sautéed mushrooms for a savory, meat-free version. Swap in vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian and still deeply flavorful.

Can I add cream to make it saucier?

Definitely! For a creamier One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe, stir in a splash of heavy cream after removing from the heat. This creates a rich, luscious sauce that clings to every bite.

Will frozen broccoli get mushy?

If added near the end of cooking, frozen broccoli will hold its shape surprisingly well. Add it just five minutes before the pasta is done for best results—it keeps a nice green color and some bite.

Is this recipe spicy?

This dish has a gentle background heat if you add the red pepper flakes and use spicy Italian sausage. If you prefer it mild, simply use mild sausage and skip the flakes—the One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe will still be full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an unfussy, flavor-packed meal you’ll want to make on repeat, the One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is ready to be your new favorite. I hope you’ll give it a try—one pot, thirty minutes, and a table full of happy faces is what dinner dreams are made of!

One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines Italian sausage, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Orecchiette Pasta:

12 oz

Italian Sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed:

1 lb

Broccoli Florets (fresh or frozen):

4 cups

Garlic, minced:

3 cloves

Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

1/2 teaspoon

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:

4 cups

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

Lemon Zest (optional):

zest of 1 lemon

Extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add sausage: Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Sauté until fragrant.
Stir in pasta and broth: Bring to a boil, then simmer.
Add broccoli: Cook for 5 minutes.
Finish and serve: Stir in cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Serve warm with extra Parmesan.