Savory Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy edges and robust flavors define this incredible orecchiette with sausage and spinach dish that promises comfort in every bite.

Pasta lovers seek simple yet satisfying meals like this one.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly to create a hearty plate.

Bold Italian sausage brings depth and richness to tender pasta shells.

Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutritional balance to the recipe.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with such a straightforward combination of ingredients.

Trust you’ll fall in love with this delicious, quick meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Hits the Mark

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious pasta dish in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without hours of preparation.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines kid-approved sausage with nutritious spinach, creating a balanced meal that pleases both parents and children with its hearty, tasty profile.
• One-Skillet Convenience: Minimal dishes and simple cooking technique make this recipe a stress-free option for home cooks wanting maximum flavor with minimal cleanup effort.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easy to adapt by swapping sausage type, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Sausage Spinach Orecchiette Ingredient Combo

• Orecchiette Pasta: Classic ear-shaped pasta perfect for capturing sauce, works best when cooked al dente.

• Italian Sausage, Garlic: Sausage adds rich, meaty flavor with optional mild or spicy options, while garlic provides aromatic depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice element that adds subtle heat to the dish.

• Fresh Spinach: Provides bright green color and nutritious vegetable component, best when fresh and crisp.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and creamy texture, authentic Italian cheese for finishing.
• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth sauce and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Reserved Pasta Water: Essential for creating silky sauce consistency, starchy liquid helps bind ingredients.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance overall dish flavor, adjustable to personal taste preference.

Instructions for Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Cook orecchiette in a large pot filled with salted boiling water until it reaches al dente perfection.

Before draining, carefully set aside some pasta water.

Drain the pasta and keep it ready for the next stage.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook thoroughly, breaking it into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon.

Continue cooking until the meat turns a rich golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

Introduce minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sausage-filled skillet.

Sauté these ingredients for about one minute, allowing their flavors to bloom and fill the kitchen with an enticing aroma.

Step 4: Wilt The Greens

Gently add fresh spinach to the skillet.

Stir and cook the spinach for 2-3 minutes until it becomes beautifully wilted and tender, blending seamlessly with the sausage.

Step 5: Combine And Coat

Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and spinach.

Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets evenly coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 6: Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet.

Stir to incorporate, and season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately, optionally garnishing with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot and savor the delightful combination of sausage, spinach, and perfectly cooked orecchiette.

Cooking Wisdom for Orecchiette With Sausage and Spinach

• Try penne or rigatoni if orecchiette isn't available, ensuring similar cooking times for perfect texture.
• Select fresh Italian sausage with robust flavor, removing casings for even browning and better integration with pasta.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, starting with a pinch and adding gradually for balanced kick.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during sausage cooking for increased vitamins and color variety.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Reheat Orecchiette With Sausage Gently

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to help restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little olive oil or pasta water to help revive the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top after reheating to boost flavor and restore the dish's original zesty taste.

Smart Sides for Sausage and Spinach Orecchiette

• Pair Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the richness of the sausage and cuts through the pasta's creaminess.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a crisp, tangy contrast.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, rustic bread to soak up the delicious pan sauce and complement the meal's savory flavors.
• Enhance with Italian Aperitivo: Start the meal with a classic Aperol Spritz to awaken the palate and prepare for the robust pasta dish.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach Served in New Ways

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace orecchiette with gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Use gluten-free Italian sausage to ensure the entire dish meets dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or crumbled firm tofu seasoned with Italian herbs. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Increase red pepper flakes for more heat. Add fresh chopped basil and oregano during the last cooking stage to enhance herbal notes. Swap Parmesan for pecorino cheese for a sharper taste.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Keep sausage and spinach components the same for a lighter, nutrient-dense meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orecchiette with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells that can hold the sauce well.

• Is it necessary to use Italian sausage specifically?

While Italian sausage provides the best flavor, you can use ground pork or turkey sausage as an alternative. Choose a variety with similar seasoning for best results.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The amount of red pepper flakes creates a mild heat. You can reduce or increase the quantity based on your spice preference or omit completely for a milder version.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage, crumbled tofu, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms to maintain a hearty texture and flavor profile.

Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Italian “Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach” brings rustic charm to your dinner table. Rich pasta mingles with savory sausage and tender greens, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 12 ounces (340 grams) orecchiette pasta
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach (about 5 cups)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Immerse the ear-shaped pasta in a generously salted, bubbling cauldron of water, allowing it to dance until achieving a perfect tender-yet-firm consistency. Carefully rescue ½ cup of the starchy liquid before draining.
2. Awaken a spacious skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce the spicy Italian sausage, methodically dismantling its form with a wooden companion until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown landscape.
3. Infuse the skillet with aromatic minced garlic and a provocative sprinkle of red pepper flakes, letting their essence bloom for a fleeting moment.
4. Cascade vibrant spinach leaves into the skillet, gently coaxing them to surrender and wilt into a verdant embrace.
5. Transport the al dente pasta into the skillet’s symphony, accompanied by the reserved liquid treasure. Perform a graceful toss, ensuring each morsel becomes lavishly coated with the robust sauce.
6. Shower the creation with a blizzard of finely grated Parmesan, then calibrate the flavor profile with delicate touches of salt and pepper.
7. Present the dish immediately, offering an additional dusting of Parmesan for those seeking extra indulgence.

Notes

• Choose firm, high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste profile.
• Reserve pasta water carefully, as its starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats each orecchiette.
• Chop spinach roughly before adding to ensure even wilting and prevent large, tough leaf chunks disrupting the dish’s texture.
• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start conservatively and gradually increase for personalized heat intensity.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg