One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

Name: One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup sweet onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 12 ounces sweet Italian sausage (cut into rounds); 8 ounces orecchiette pasta ({use whole wheat pasta for a healthier dish}); 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for spice); 3 cups arugula ({or greens of your choice}); 1 cup broccoli florets (chopped {or try broccoli rabe}); 1 can chickpeas (drained, rinsed); 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated); Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese; parsley and basil (Freshly chopped); red pepper

One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli is a quick and easy meal mixing pasta with fresh broccoli, sweet Italian sausage, chickpeas, spices and parmesan cheese.

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Total35 min
Makes6 servings
Calories454

Ingredients

6 servings

3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup sweet onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
12 ounces sweet Italian sausage (cut into rounds)
8 ounces orecchiette pasta ({use whole wheat pasta for a healthier dish})
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for spice)
3 cups arugula ({or greens of your choice})
1 cup broccoli florets (chopped {or try broccoli rabe})
1 can chickpeas (drained, rinsed)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese
parsley and basil (Freshly chopped)
red pepper

Method

1
In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the sausage and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
2
Add the orecchiette noodles, vegetable stock {or chicken stock}, basil, oregano and red chili flakes {optional}. Bring the pasta to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli and give it a stir, cover the lid and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
3
Remove the lid add the chickpeas and stir. Allow the pasta to cook another 8 minutes with the lid off or until the pasta is tender. Add the arugula and stir until wilted.
4
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, basil and extra crushed red pepper flakes {for more spice}.
5
Serve the pasta warm with a side salad and crusty bread.

Notes

You can use whatever sausage you like in this dish. I like sweet Italian sausage but hot works great for a spicy dish. Add a different bean if you don't want to use chickpeas. I like white beans a lot. A variety of vegetables works great in this pasta. I like to add zucchini, carrots and tomatoes. If you don't have arugula on hand try whatever green you have. Spinach and kale work great. The parmesan cheese helps give the dish an earthy flavor and when melted and mixed with the broth creates a light, slightly creamy sauce. A lot of cheeses work in this dish though--try mozzarella or asiago.