Spicy Sausage and Broccolini Pasta | Easy Orecchiette Recipe
Spicy Sausage and Broccolini Orecchiette: An Easy Italian Pasta Recipe
Sometimes the best dinners are the ones that don't require a million ingredients, a complicated recipe, or an entire evening in the kitchen.
Enter Spicy Sausage and Broccolini Orecchiette.
Savory Italian sausage, tender broccolini, plenty of garlic, a little heat from red pepper flakes, and freshly grated Parmesan, all tossed with orecchiette pasta in a light, flavorful sauce.
It's comforting without being heavy, a little spicy without being overwhelming, and exactly the kind of pasta dish you'll find yourself making on repeat.
The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or those evenings when you want something homemade but don't feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
And those little orecchiette pasta shells? They're basically tiny bowls designed to catch every delicious piece of sausage and Parmesan.
Trust us. This one's a keeper.
Why You'll Love This Spicy Sausage and Broccolini Pasta
There's a reason Italian sausage and broccolini are such a perfect pairing.
The sausage brings savory richness, the broccolini adds freshness and a slightly earthy bite, and the garlic, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes bring everything together.
Here's why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation:
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Ready in about 30 minutes: Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
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Simple ingredients: Nothing complicated, just a handful of flavorful staples.
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Packed with flavor: Italian sausage, garlic, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes do the heavy lifting.
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Easy to customize: Use hot or sweet sausage and adjust the spice level.
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A complete meal: Protein, vegetables, and pasta all in one bowl.
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Great for leftovers: The flavors are just as delicious the next day.
It's rustic, comforting, and full of the kind of flavors that make simple Italian cooking so good.
Ingredients
You'll need:
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¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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1 lb Italian sausage, hot or sweet, casings removed
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½ cup finely chopped onion
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Kosher salt, to taste
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1 lb orecchiette pasta
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½–¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 lb broccolini
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
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Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
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½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Optional for serving:
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Extra Parmesan
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Fresh lemon zest
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A drizzle of good olive oil
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Additional crushed red pepper flakes
How to Make Spicy Sausage and Broccolini Orecchiette
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Salt generously and cook the orecchiette according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
That starchy water is going to help bring everything together later, so don't forget it.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
While the pasta water heats, warm the extra-virgin olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of kosher salt.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Italian Sausage
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, removing the casings first if necessary.
Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small, bite-sized pieces.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Don't rush this step.
Allowing the sausage to develop a little golden-brown color adds incredible flavor to the finished dish. For pork sausage, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 4: Add the Garlic and Heat
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and finely chopped garlic.
Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Be careful not to burn it.
The combination of garlic, sausage, and red pepper flakes creates a deliciously savory base with just the right amount of heat.
Step 5: Cook the Broccolini
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet.
Add the broccolini, cover, and allow everything to simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
The broccolini should become bright green and just tender while still retaining a little bite.
If your broccolini has especially thick stems, slice them lengthwise so everything cooks evenly.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet.
Gently toss the pasta with the sausage, broccolini, and flavorful broth.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to help the ingredients come together and lightly coat the pasta.
You want everything glossy and well combined, not swimming in liquid.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until it melts into the pasta and creates a light, silky coating.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Finish with extra Parmesan and a little more crushed red pepper if you like things spicy.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
Why Orecchiette Is the Perfect Pasta for This Recipe
Orecchiette means "little ears" in Italian, and its unique shape makes it ideal for dishes with crumbled sausage and vegetables.
Each little cup catches pieces of sausage, garlic, and Parmesan, giving you a little bit of everything in every bite.
Unlike heavier cream-based pasta dishes, this recipe uses chicken broth, olive oil, Parmesan, and starchy pasta water to create a light sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
No heavy cream required.
If you can't find orecchiette, try:
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Rigatoni
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Fusilli
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Shells
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Penne
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Cavatappi
Any short pasta shape that catches the sausage and sauce will work.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Broccolini Pasta
Choose Your Sausage Based on Your Spice Preference
Hot Italian sausage adds an extra kick, while sweet Italian sausage creates a milder, more savory dish.
Both work beautifully.
If you're using hot sausage, consider starting with less crushed red pepper and adding more at the end.
Don't Overcook the Broccolini
Broccolini should be tender but still have a little texture.
Overcooking can make it mushy and dull its bright green color.
Brown the Sausage Well
Those golden-brown bits are where so much of the flavor comes from.
Give the sausage time to develop color before adding the garlic and broth.
Always Save Pasta Water
A little starchy pasta water helps the olive oil, Parmesan, and broth coat the pasta more evenly.
Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties and gives the finished pasta a better texture.
Finish with a Little Lemon
A touch of fresh lemon zest or a small squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish and balance the richness of the sausage.
It's optional, but delicious.
Can You Substitute Broccoli for Broccolini?
Absolutely.
While broccolini has tender stems and a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor, regular broccoli works well in this recipe.
Simply cut the broccoli into small florets and cook until just tender.
You can also experiment with other vegetables, including:
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Broccoli rabe for a slightly bitter, traditional Italian flavor
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Spinach for a softer green
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Kale for a heartier texture
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Zucchini for a lighter variation
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Asparagus for a seasonal twist
The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and Parmesan works beautifully with all of them.
How Spicy Is This Pasta?
That depends entirely on you.
With sweet Italian sausage and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, the pasta will have a noticeable but manageable kick.
For more heat, use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to ¾ teaspoon or more.
For a milder version, use sweet sausage and reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
You can always add more heat at the table.
What to Serve with Spicy Sausage and Broccolini
This pasta is hearty enough to serve as a complete dinner, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides.
Try serving it with:
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Warm garlic bread
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Crusty sourdough
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A simple arugula salad
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Roasted cherry tomatoes
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A classic Caesar salad
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Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes
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A light lemon vinaigrette salad
And because a really good dinner deserves a sweet ending, don't forget dessert.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover sausage and broccolini pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water.
Toss gently until heated through.
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil to bring everything back to life.
This is also a great recipe for meal prep because the flavors hold up beautifully.
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Enjoy!
Xo