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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Infuse the skillet with aromatic minced garlic and a provocative sprinkle of red pepper flakes, letting their essence bloom for a fleeting moment.
- Cascade vibrant spinach leaves into the skillet, gently coaxing them to surrender and wilt into a verdant embrace.
- 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.
- Shower the creation with a blizzard of finely grated Parmesan, then calibrate the flavor profile with delicate touches of salt and pepper.
- 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