When it comes to comforting and nutritious meals, nothing beats a bowl of homemade soup. This Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup with Orecchiette is a delightful blend of hearty ingredients and robust flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup combines the goodness of fresh broccoli, the savory taste of chicken sausage, and the satisfying texture of orecchiette pasta. Let’s explore how to create this wholesome dish step-by-step.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- 2 large heads of broccoli
- 1 small white onion, or half a large onion, finely diced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 7 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound uncooked chicken sausages, casing removed (Trader Joe’s chicken Sicilian sausage recommended)
- 8 cups good-quality stock
- Parmesan rind
- Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference
- 2 cups uncooked orecchiette, cooked
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions:
- Preparing the Broccoli:
- Cut the broccoli into small florets and peel and chop the stems into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sautéing the Aromatics:
- In a sizable pot, add a splash of olive oil and heat it over medium flame. Add the finely diced onion and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cooking the Sausage:
- Add the uncooked chicken sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
- Building the Soup:
- Pour in the 8 cups of good-quality stock and add the Parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chopped broccoli to the pot. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to gently simmer until the broccoli becomes tender, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Cooking the Orecchiette:
- While the soup is simmering, cook the orecchiette according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combining Everything:
- Once the broccoli is tender, remove the Parmesan rind from the soup. Stir in the cooked orecchiette until well combined.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and basil. Top with more grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup with Orecchiette is a comforting, nutritious, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. The combination of tender broccoli, savory chicken sausage, and al dente orecchiette pasta creates a satisfying soup that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this wonderful dish!