If you’re craving a comforting yet vibrant meal that comes together in a flash, this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a deliciously hearty dish that balances the rustic flavors of sweet Italian sausage with the fresh bite of broccoli and peppery arugula, all enveloped in tender, buttery orecchiette pasta. What makes this recipe so special is how everything cooks harmoniously in one pot, locking in flavor while keeping cleanup minimal—a true weekday winner that feels like a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary dish. Each component plays a crucial part, whether it’s adding depth, texture, or a pop of color, making your pasta sing with flavor and vibrance.
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta: This ear-shaped pasta holds sauce and ingredients perfectly, creating a delightful mouthfeel.
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage, sliced: Adds a juicy, savory richness that complements the greens beautifully.
- 15 oz. can chickpeas: Adds subtle nuttiness and extra protein to keep it hearty and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped: Brings a mellow sweetness that balances the savoriness of sausage.
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Gives a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- 3 cups fresh arugula or preferred greens: Adds a peppery freshness and vibrant green color.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped: Offers crunch and a lovely pop of color while keeping the dish nutritious.
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid base that tenderizes the pasta and infuses every bite with flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbaceous note that harmonizes with the sausage.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery layer of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional): Provides a gentle kick of heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds silky texture and depth, helping everything sauté perfectly.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish: Melted into the pasta for richness and garnished on top for a savory finish.
- Freshly chopped parsley and basil: Adds bright herbal notes and visual appeal as a final touch.
- Extra crushed red pepper: Great for sprinkling on top for those who love extra heat.
How to Make One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them for just a couple of minutes until they’re wonderfully fragrant and softened. This base layer of flavors sets the stage for the entire dish, ensuring that every bite is full of aromatic warmth.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add your sliced sweet Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage rounds start to brown and release those irresistible meaty juices. This step not only builds flavor but also adds texture contrast to the dish.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Next, stir in the orecchiette pasta along with your vegetable or chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and red chili flakes if you are feeling adventurous. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for about 4 minutes. This lets the pasta begin soaking up all the delicious herby broth as it cooks.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Now it’s time to toss in the bright green broccoli florets. Stir well to combine, cover your skillet once more, and cook for another 5 minutes. The broccoli will become tender but still hold its fresh crispness, adding both nutrition and a lovely color contrast to your pasta.
Step 5: Incorporate Chickpeas
Remove the lid and gently fold in the drained chickpeas. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 8 more minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Chickpeas lend a subtle nuttiness and a satisfying bite, rounding out the flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 6: Stir in Greens
Finally, add the fresh arugula or your preferred leafy greens. Stir until just wilted, allowing the greens to soften without losing their vibrant color or peppery brightness. This adds a fresh lift that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and give everything a final gentle stir to melt it in. To serve, garnish with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, basil leaves, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to taste. This finishing touch elevates the dish both visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes take this dish from wonderful to unforgettable. A generous shower of parmesan adds a salty tang and creamy finish, while fresh chopped parsley and basil bring brightness and a pop of green. If you love a bit of heat, don’t be shy with the crushed red pepper flakes, which add a lovely spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This meal shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a slice of crusty artisan bread for dipping into any leftover sauce. A light appetizer like marinated olives or roasted cherry tomatoes complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. Drizzling a little extra olive oil on top before serving adds sheen and rich flavor. For casual gatherings, offer assorted garnishes on the side so guests can customize their plates with herbs, cheeses, or chili flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored tightly in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture perfect.
Freezing
While it’s a fantastic fresh meal, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir gently during warming to prevent sticking and help the cheese meld back into the pasta beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap sweet Italian sausage for spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
Is whole wheat orecchiette okay to use?
Yes, whole wheat orecchiette works perfectly here and provides a nuttier flavor and additional fiber, making the dish more wholesome without compromising taste.
Can I substitute the broccoli with another vegetable?
Definitely. Broccoli rabe is a great alternative for a more bitter, peppery note, or you can try green beans, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts depending on your preference and seasonal availability.
What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?
If parmesan isn’t on hand, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are tasty substitutes that bring similar salty and nutty qualities to the dish.
How spicy is the dish with the red chili flakes?
The red chili flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the sausage nicely; however, you can easily omit or increase the amount to suit your spice tolerance perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe has become a true favorite in my kitchen because it’s so satisfyingly delicious yet surprisingly effortless. It checks all the boxes: comforting, colorful, and packed with flavor—all with a fraction of the fuss. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience how this dish turns an ordinary weeknight into something truly special.
Print
One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender orecchiette pasta with sweet Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and nutritious chickpeas. Simmered in fragrant herbs and vegetable or chicken broth, the pasta absorbs the savory flavors while the greens add a fresh, vibrant touch. Finished with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz. orecchiette pasta (whole wheat optional)
- 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage, cut into rounds
- 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 cups fresh arugula (or greens of your choice)
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped (or broccoli rabe)
Liquids
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley and basil
- Extra crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened to release their flavors.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sweet Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and begins to release its savory juices.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the orecchiette pasta along with the vegetable or chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red chili flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 4 minutes to allow the pasta to start absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Add Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to combine. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender while retaining its bright green color.
- Incorporate Chickpeas: Remove the lid and add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir gently and continue to simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in Greens: Add the fresh arugula or other greens of your choice, stirring until just wilted and well mixed into the pasta mixture, adding a fresh, vibrant note.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring to meld flavors. Garnish the dish with additional parmesan, chopped parsley, basil, and extra crushed red pepper flakes as desired. Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Swap out the sweet Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian variation.
- Use whole wheat orecchiette for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Broccoli rabe can be used instead of broccoli for a slightly more bitter, robust green.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your heat preference or omit completely for a milder dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
