---
title: "Little Ears Pasta"
source: {name: HelloFresh, url: "https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/little-ears-pasta-597128c50534681cca63e1b2"}
servings: 2
prep_time: "5 minutes"
cook_time: "20 minutes"
time_required: "25 minutes"
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Milk
  - Wheat
tags:
  - Spicy
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 27500
source_chef: Michelle Doll Olson
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Delicious blend of Italian sausage, broccoli, and basil pesto
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/little-ears-pasta.avif"
---

Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil.

Add @orecchiette pasta{8%oz} to the boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente ~{10%minutes}. Carefully scoop out and reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

Heat a drizzle of @olive oil{1%tbsp} in a #large pan{} over medium heat. Add @baby broccoli{8%oz}(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) and 2 tsp water. Cover and steam ~{3%minutes}. Uncover and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender ~{5%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.

Heat another drizzle of olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add @sweet italian pork sausage{8%oz}(casings removed), breaking up meat into pieces. Cook until crisp at edges and no longer pink ~{4%minutes}. Add @chili flakes{1%tsp} and cook ~{30%seconds}.

Add the cooked orecchiette pasta, baby broccoli, @pesto{2%tbsp}, reserved pasta cooking water, and half the @parmesan cheese{½%cup} to the pan. Toss until everything is well-coated and a thick sauce has formed ~{1%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide the orecchiette mixture between plates. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese and serve.