Cozy Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe For Pasta Lovers

Crafting a delightful orecchiette with sausage and spinach takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Pasta shapes matter, and these little ear-like crescents capture sauce perfectly.

Italian comfort emerges through simple, fresh ingredients blending harmoniously on your plate.

Robust sausage adds depth while tender spinach brings bright, earthy notes.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special with this quick Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Home cooks appreciate meals that look impressive yet require little technical skill.

You’ll want seconds of this rustic, satisfying combination that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach Highlights

• Whip Up a Quick Comfort Meal: This recipe delivers a satisfying dinner with minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and fast.
• Create a Protein-Packed Dish: Combining hearty sausage and nutrient-rich spinach makes this pasta a balanced, filling meal that keeps you energized.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easy to adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes and swap ingredients based on preferences, making it versatile for different taste buds.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Despite looking impressive, this recipe requires basic cooking skills, allowing home cooks to create a gourmet-style dish without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

• Orecchiette Pasta: A small, ear-shaped pasta that perfectly catches sauce and ingredients.
• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the dish.
• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that provides color and earthy flavor.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: A dynamic duo that brings warmth and spicy kick to the recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and adds a smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, tangy cheese that adds a final layer of flavor and creaminess.

How to Make Orecchiette Sausage Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil and cook orecchiette pasta until it reaches al dente texture.

Carefully scoop out and set aside 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta completely.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add sausage and break it into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and develops a rich, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Base

Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet.

Stir quickly and cook for about one minute, allowing the ingredients to release their fragrant oils and create a delicious foundation for the dish.

Step 4: Wilt The Greens

Add fresh spinach to the skillet.

Gently stir and cook until the spinach leaves become soft and dramatically reduce in volume, creating a vibrant green layer over the sausage.

Step 5: Combine And Finish

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and spinach mixture.

Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Season And Serve

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Enjoy your delectable pasta creation immediately.

Tips for Orecchiette Sausage and Spinach Pasta

• Save the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each orecchiette noodle.
• Break up the sausage into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
• Add spinach at the right moment to prevent overcooking, keeping it vibrant green and maintaining its nutritional value.
• Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice preference, creating a personalized flavor intensity.

Flavor Variations for Orecchiette Sausage Spinach Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace orecchiette with gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn flour, ensuring the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free alternative that maintains the dish's richness.
• Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, creating a lighter meal while keeping the original recipe's core ingredients and seasonings.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that complements the sausage and spinach without dairy.

Serving Ideas for Orecchiette Sausage Spinach Pasta

• Italian Dinner Party Showcase: Create a rustic Italian-style dinner setting with candlelight and a simple green salad alongside the pasta dish.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the dish with grilled chicken or crispy pancetta for extra protein and a delightful textural crunch.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio that complements the sausage's rich flavor.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top to add bright color and a fresh herb essence to the warm pasta.

Storage Advice for Orecchiette Sausage Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through evenly. Finish with fresh Parmesan for extra flavor.

FAQs

• What makes orecchiette the perfect pasta for this dish?

Orecchiette’s unique “little ear” shape helps capture the sausage and sauce perfectly, creating a delicious bite every time.

• Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Italian sausage works best, but you can substitute with spicy or mild versions depending on your flavor preference.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it a great option for quick weeknight meals.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for protein and flavor.

Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade orecchiette with sausage and spinach brings rustic Italian comfort to weeknight dinner tables. Hearty pasta combines spicy Italian sausage, tender spinach, and parmesan for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) orecchiette pasta

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil orecchiette in generously salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender with a slight bite, maintaining al dente texture.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for browning sausage.
3. Crumble sausage into the pan, breaking into small fragments while cooking until deep golden and caramelized around edges.
4. Introduce minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring rapidly to distribute aromatic elements and prevent burning.
5. Add fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to gently wilt and integrate with sausage mixture, creating a vibrant green backdrop.
6. Transfer drained pasta directly into skillet, incorporating reserved pasta water to create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to each pasta curve.
7. Vigorously toss ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of sausage, spinach, and seasonings throughout the dish.
8. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting to balance flavors.
9. Finish by generously dusting with finely grated Parmesan cheese, allowing its salty complexity to elevate the entire preparation.

Notes

• Customize pasta thickness by choosing different sizes of orecchiette to adjust sauce-to-pasta ratio.
• Swap spicy Italian sausage with mild version for less heat or use plant-based sausage for vegetarian option.
• Save pasta water as secret ingredient for creating silky, emulsified sauce that helps ingredients cling perfectly.
• Use fresh baby spinach for better texture and brighter color compared to frozen spinach varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg