Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering Orecchiette Brussels Sprouts Sausage Skillet! Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of Italian sausage, the delicate earthiness of caramelized Brussels sprouts, and perfectly cooked pasta - all in just 35 minutes. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds and your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this one-pan wonder is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking meat into small pieces until browned and no longer pink.
- Remove browned sausage from skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Add sliced onions and halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to caramelize and soften.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Return cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and add drained pasta. Toss everything together, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce, about 2-3 minutes.
- If the skillet seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Generously grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top before serving hot.
Tips
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together perfectly.
- Caramelization is Key: Don't rush the vegetable cooking process. Let Brussels sprouts and onions develop a beautiful golden-brown color for maximum flavor depth.
- Sausage Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage with good seasoning. Fresh, locally made sausage can elevate the entire dish.
- Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve proper browning without burning ingredients. Adjust as needed during cooking.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese lacks the rich, complex taste of fresh Parmesan.
- One-Pan Magic: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using the same skillet for multiple cooking stages. Less washing, more enjoying!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
