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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold fresh spinach into the sausage mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate smoothly with the meat, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- 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.
- 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