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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Asparagus

Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Asparagus

A perfect 30-minute dinner topped with parm!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Feb 13, 2025
Star FillStar FillStar FillStar FillStar Fill
5
2 Ratings
bowl of pasta with vegetables on a blue table
Ryan Liebe
Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp.

    kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water

  • 1 lb.

    orecchiette

  • 1 lb.

    medium asparagus, woody stems trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

  • 2 Tbsp.

    salted butter

  • 1 lb.

    sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed

  • 4

    garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1/2 tsp.

    black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp.

    red pepper flakes

  • 1 cup

    chicken broth

  • 1 cup

    heavy cream

  • 1 cup

    grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

  • Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 1/4 cup

    fresh basil, chopped

Directions

    1. Step 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, adding the asparagus during the last 2 minutes. Drain the pasta and asparagus. 
    2. Step 2Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
    3. Step 3 Add the garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sausage and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and cook 1 minute, scraping up the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
    4. Step 4Add the pasta, asparagus, and basil to the pot and stir to coat. Serve with parmesan for topping.
Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
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