Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orecchiette

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!! This is so easy, quick and delicious! I have recently discovered Orecchiette {not sure where it as been my whole life} and am kind of obsessed. I also think a bag of frozen broccoli can brighten up and freshen up so many dishes– I always have at least 2 bags on hand. I hope you enjoy!

Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orecchiette

Norma Powell, MS, RD, CDN
Cook Time 20 mins
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz chicken sausage thinly cut into coins
  • 12 oz uncooked orecchiette pasta
  • 16 oz frozen broccoli florets
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup low-fat milk
  • salt & pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • While pot of water is heating up, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until sausage is fully cooked, and remove from heat.
  • Once water begins to boil, add the pasta and allow to cook for about 3 minutes. Bring the pasta water back to a boil and add broccoli to the pasta. Continue to cook the pasta and broccoli together for another 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta and broccoli together in a strainer.
  • Return the pot to the stove and set heat to high; add 1 tbsp olive oil, when hot, add garlic. Cook until golden, about 1 minute, reduce heat to low and add pasta, broccoli and sausage back to the pot.
  • Add in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, the milk and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well, breaking up any large pieces of broccoli. 
  • Season with 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp pepper (can add more to taste). Can also add in any remaining reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
Keyword broccoli, Chicken, chicken sausage, Pasta

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