Print

Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage

Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage
Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring the unique orecchiette pasta combined with savory Italian sausage, fresh garlic, and herbs, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, with simple ingredients delivering rustic, satisfying flavors and plenty of opportunities for customization.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz orecchiette pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions, usually about 9 to 11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water to use later for the sauce.
  2. Cook the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break it apart evenly.
  3. Sauté the garlic and seasoning: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan with the sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt, stirring constantly to blend the flavors.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a light sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
  5. Finish with herbs and cheese: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last toss and remove from heat.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality Italian sausage to achieve the best flavor and avoid overly fatty varieties.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture keeps the orecchiette from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • Use reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Using fresh garlic and parsley dramatically enhances the freshness and flavor of this simple dish.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level, starting with a small pinch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Orecchiette pasta, Italian sausage, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, Italian cuisine, quick pasta dish

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/orecchiette-pasta-with-sausage/