Orecchiette with Potato Cream, Broccoli, and Sausage

Name: Orecchiette with Potato Cream, Broccoli, and Sausage
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Orecchiette pasta fresh 12.7 oz; Potatoes (2 medium) 6.3 oz; Broccoli 3 ½ cups; Sausage 0.7 lb; Grana Padano PDO cheese 3.5 oz; Onions 3.5 oz; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

it de fr es br

Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Anna Langellotto

Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli is one of those classic dishes that really showcases the flavors of Puglia—such a beautiful region in southern Italy. The name "orecchiette" means "little ears," which is pretty cute, and this pasta shape is just perfect for catching every bit of the creamy sauce. Really, in this version, the creamy potato sauce is the star. It is different from the usual pasta dishes you might have had. By boiling and mashing potatoes, you get this smooth and velvety texture that hugs the pasta beautifully. And look, this combo of Italian sausage, broccoli, and potato cream creates a hearty meal that's rich and satisfying. And it captures the rustic charm of Southern Italian cooking. Perfect for a cool evening, for sure.

In many Puglian homes, you'll find all sorts of variations of broccoli and sausage pasta, but, to be honest, this creamy orecchiette recipe offers a unique twist. It keeps people coming back for more, no question. Instead of just tossing broccoli and sausage with olive oil, this dish includes a rich layer of potato cream that ties everything together like a big cozy hug. The sausage adds a savory kick, and the broccoli gives a tender bite to balance the richness. It's a great mix of flavors—earthy greens, salty sausage, and the silky potato sauce—all in one bowl. On busy nights, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that tastes like it took all day to make. Really, whether it's a casual family dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. Everyone ends up asking for seconds—seriously good—and that's why orecchiette with sausage and broccoli remains a favorite: it’s warm, filling, and always puts a smile on everyone’s face.

How to prepare Orecchiette with Potato Cream, Broccoli, and Sausage

To prepare the orecchiette with potato cream, broccoli, and sausage, start with the tubers. Place the potatoes in a pot with plenty of water and put it on the heat: from the moment it boils, count 30 - 50 minutes or until they are cooked 1. At the end of cooking, peel them while still hot and mash them 2. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. Peel the onion and finely chop it 3.

Then clean the broccoli by cutting the florets with a small knife 4, rinse them, and move to the stove. Put a pot with water on the heat, and as soon as it boils, immerse the florets, boiling them for 5-6 minutes 5. At the end of cooking, drain the florets but do not discard the water as it will be used to cook the orecchiette. Peel the sausages 6

and crumble them 7. Put a pan on the heat, add a drizzle of oil, and add the onion 8 and then the sausage, browning over low heat for 5 minutes 9.

Add the boiled florets 10 and let them absorb the flavor for a few minutes before also adding the mashed potatoes 11. At this point, take some water from the pot and dilute the sauce to transform it into a homogeneous cream while stirring; season with salt and pepper 12.

Immerse the orecchiette in the pot of water where you boiled the florets, salt, and cook them al dente 13, then drain them directly into the sauce 14 and mix 15.

Turn off the heat and add the grated cheese 16, mix 17, and immediately plate your orecchiette with potato cream, broccoli, and sausage 18.

Storage

Any form of storage of the orecchiette with potato cream, broccoli, and sausage is not recommended.

Advice

For a crunchy touch to your dish of orecchiette with potato cream, broccoli, and sausage, you can add chopped and toasted nuts on top, or alternatively, toasted breadcrumbs.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.