Hearty Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe: A Rustic Delight

Crisp autumn nights call for a hearty orecchiette with sausage and spinach that promises warmth and comfort.

Pasta shapes like little ears cradle rich flavors beautifully.

Italian comfort food becomes pure magic when sausage meets leafy greens.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly in this rustic dish.

Perfectly balanced textures create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners need simple yet delicious solutions like this classic combination.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite and let your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas.

Orecchiette With Sausage & Spinach: Why Try It

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with robust sausage and zesty red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers incredible taste in minimal steps.
• Customize With Ease: Swap spinach for kale or add extra cheese, making it adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal solves dinner challenges for busy families and professionals.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Combining familiar ingredients like pasta and sausage, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its simple, hearty profile.

Must-Haves For Orecchiette Sausage Spinach

• Orecchiette Pasta: A small, ear-shaped pasta perfect for catching sauce and small ingredients.
• Sausage: Ground meat that provides rich, savory flavor to the dish.
• Spinach: A nutrient-dense leafy green that adds color and earthy taste to the recipe.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that add depth and subtle heat to the pasta dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that enhance flavor and provide a smooth, seasoned finish to the recipe.

Steps For Orecchiette With Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Cook orecchiette in a large pot of salted water following package directions.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Sauté until the meat turns golden brown and develops a rich, crispy texture.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

Sprinkle minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the sausage.

Stir continuously for about 60 seconds until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance and the garlic becomes translucent.

Step 4: Wilt The Greens

Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet.

Gently fold the leaves into the sausage mixture, allowing them to soften and shrink down until completely wilted and integrated with the other ingredients.

Step 5: Combine And Sauce

Transfer the cooked orecchiette directly into the skillet.

Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water to create a silky, light sauce that coats each pasta piece perfectly.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Generously shower the dish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Chef Tips For Orecchiette Pasta Success

• Save some pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats the orecchiette.
• Break sausage into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
• Add spinach gradually and stir quickly to prevent overcooking, maintaining its vibrant green color and fresh taste.
• Freshly grated Parmesan provides a salty, nutty finish that elevates the overall flavor profile of the pasta.
• Mix pasta directly in the skillet with other ingredients to help the flavors meld together seamlessly.

Orecchiette Sausage Pasta – Mix It Up

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based meat or roasted mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap orecchiette with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, keeping the sausage and spinach for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste to create a more intense, North African-inspired flavor profile.

Presenting Orecchiette Sausage Spinach Pasta

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this hearty pasta dish with a crisp side salad tossed in light vinaigrette for fresh contrast.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or pecorino romano on top, allowing cheese to melt slightly over warm pasta for rich, creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the spicy sausage and robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Accompany the meal with warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up delicious sauce and add delightful crunch to your meal.

Storing Orecchiette With Sausage & Spinach

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and restore moisture to the pasta.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Orecchiette is ideal because its unique ear-shaped design perfectly catches the sausage and sauce, creating a delicious bite every time.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Italian sausage works best, but you can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely if you prefer a milder flavor. Start with a small pinch and add more to taste.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture and umami flavor. Consider adding extra garlic and herbs to boost the taste.

Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach delivers a rustic Italian flavor journey through Puglia’s culinary landscape. Hearty pasta twirls with spicy sausage and tender greens, creating a comforting meal perfect for weekend dinners you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (453 grams) Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) orecchiette pasta
• 3 cups fresh spinach

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook orecchiette until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining completely.
2. Place a spacious skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Introduce crumbled sausage, breaking into small pieces while cooking until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium and incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors for 30-45 seconds.
4. Gently fold fresh spinach into the sausage mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate smoothly with the meat, approximately 1-2 minutes.
5. Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating of sausage and spinach. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, creating a silky, light sauce that clings to each orecchiette.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Always save some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each orecchiette noodle.
• Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra kick or mild version for family-friendly flavor, ensuring meat is fully cooked and crumbly.
• Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and subtle taste variations that keep the dish exciting.
• Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms to create a meat-free version that maintains the recipe’s hearty texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg