"Little Ears" Pasta with Baby Broccoli and Pesto

Step 1

Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut any large broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Remove sausage from casings.

Step 2

Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut any large broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Remove sausage from casings.

Step 3

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add broccoli and 2 tsp water. Cover and steam 3 minutes. Uncover and increase heat to mediumhigh. Cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender, 3-6 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 4

Heat another drizzle of olive oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking up into pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until crisp at edges and no longer pink, 4-5 minutes. Add a pinch of chili flakes (to taste) and cook another 30 seconds

Step 5

Add orecchiette, broccoli, pesto, pasta cooking water, and half the Parmesan to pan. Toss until everything is wellcoated and a thick sauce has formed, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Divide orecchiette mixture between plates. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve.