Orecchiette with broccoli and spicy sausage

Orecchiette with broccoli and spicy sausage is one of my favorite quick meals. I made this yesterday for lunch instead of what I had planned because I saw that I had broccoli left in veggie bin as well as homemade sausage from the calzone the night before. Kill two birds with one stone. 

Makes 3-4 portions Note: if  you use the entire bag this will make at least 6 adult portions. The addition of sausage and veggies really bulks it up.

Ingredients:

• 280 grams or or 1/2 bag of orecchiette pasta
• one head of broccoli cut into florets
• 1/2 pound of bulk spicy sausage or homemade*
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• parmigiano

To make this is really easy. Bring a large post of water to a boil. The more water the better with pasta. 

In a large cast iron skillet (browns meat the best) or in a normal pan heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add in the sausage and break up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook the sausage until browned (browned means brown, not grey like many people are apt to do).  Half way through the cooking of the meat the pasta water should be to a boil. Add in a good palm full of kosher salt and add in the orecchiette. After about 2-3 minutes add in the broccoli florets. Cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and broccoli together. Add to the sausage and mix well. You may need to add more olive oil or salt. I usually add a sprinkle of parmigiano  to add saltiness.  Buon appetito!

*I will post my recipe for homemade sausage soon!