Name: Orecchiette with Broccoli, Sausage, and Roasted Peppers
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: ItalianEurope
Ingredients: table salt; 1 pound orecchiette; 4 ounces sweet Italian sausage , casing removed; 9 medium cloves garlic , pressed through garlic press or minced (3 tablespoons); 1 cup roasted red peppers (8 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch squares; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 pounds broccoli , florets cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces, stalks peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch thick pieces; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (2 ounces)

Why This Recipe Works

Though the norm for pasta and broccoli recipes is overcooked broccoli with underseasoned pasta, we set out to create a dish with crisp, sweet, tender vegetables that married well with the mild wheaty tones and tender texture of pasta. To cook the broccoli perfectly, we add the florets and water to the hot skillet. The hot steam and moisture quickly turned the broccoli bright green and tender. As for flavorings, we found that broccoli has an affinity for garlic and anchovies, but also works well with heartier combinations such as sausage and peppers or olives and feta.

Before You Begin

In this recipe, begin cooking the broccoli immediately after putting the pasta into boiling water. When cut into small pieces, the broccoli takes only a few minutes to cook through.

Instructions

Bring 4 quarts water to rolling boil, covered, in stockpot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta, stir to separate, and cook until al dente. Drain and return to stockpot.

While pasta is cooking, cook sausage in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces with spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, roasted peppers, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Increase heat to high; add broccoli and 1/2 cup water, then cover and cook until broccoli begins to turn bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until water has evaporated and broccoli is tender, 3 to 5 minutes longer. Add broccoli mixture, oil, and cheese to pasta in stockpot; toss to combine. Serve immediately.