For the Orecchiette:
Add orecchiette to a casserole dish with broccoli sauce, along with the crumbled sausage and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and spoon into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano and serve.
For the Chicken Sausage:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, and cover with plastic. Let marinate overnight.
Preheat oven to 400F, spread mixture on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes until browned and cooked through. Crumble when cool and set aside.
For the Long-Cooked Broccoli:
In a large casserole dish, heat the olive oil and saut onion, garlic and spices until translucent. Add broccoli, chicken stock, thyme and tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Stew slowly until broccoli starts falling apart, about 45 minutes to an hour. Swirl in the butter and reserve.