Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

There's something magical about a bowl of Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach—the way the pasta cradles the savory sausage, tender spinach, and silky sauce in every bite. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, yet it’s deceptively simple to make, perfect for those nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

I first fell in love with this recipe during a trip to Italy, where I discovered the beauty of pairing rustic ingredients with a pasta shape that was practically made to hold sauces. It quickly became a family favorite and a go-to for dinner parties, thanks to its elegance and ease. Let’s dive in and explore everything that makes this dish so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight dinner rotation. Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach is the perfect marriage of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes—a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

The flavor profile is truly unbeatable. The richness of the Italian sausage, the slight bitterness of the spinach, and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and balanced.

And let’s not forget how versatile this recipe is. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it a customizable option that works for everyone at your table.

Finally, this pasta feels indulgent but is surprisingly light. It satisfies your craving for comfort food without leaving you feeling weighed down, making it perfect for any season.

With so much to love, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to make it yourself? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach lies in its simplicity, but every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s signature flavor and texture.

Orecchiette Pasta: The star of the show, orecchiette is uniquely shaped like tiny bowls, perfect for capturing the sauce and small bits of sausage. If you can’t find orecchiette, you can substitute shells or farfalle, but orecchiette truly shines in this recipe.

Italian Sausage: I recommend using mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. The sausage brings a punch of flavor to the dish, so quality matters. Opt for fresh sausage rather than pre-cooked links for the best results.

Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a lovely pop of color and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the sausage. Baby spinach works best as it wilts quickly and evenly, but regular spinach is a great option too.

Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the base of the dish, infusing every bite with warm, savory undertones. Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor, and dice your onion finely so it melts into the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan ties the whole dish together with its nutty, salty finish. If you’re feeling indulgent, shave extra Parmesan on top right before serving.

Olive Oil and Red Pepper Flakes: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness, while a pinch of red pepper flakes brings just the right amount of heat. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

You’ll also need a large pot or deep skillet to cook everything in—one-pot meals are a lifesaver for cleanup! With these ingredients ready to go, it’s time to bring this recipe to life.

How To Make This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Making Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach is as straightforward as it is satisfying. Here’s how to create this incredible dish step by step.

Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it until just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this will be essential for creating the sauce.

While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage, if necessary, and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors. Add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted and evenly distributed.

Finish the dish with a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat the pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the mixture looks dry, add more pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully for future meals.

For refrigeration, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as described above.

While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, these storage tips ensure you can savor every last bite.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

For a healthier twist, substitute chicken or turkey sausage for traditional Italian sausage. It’s lighter but still brings plenty of flavor to the table.

Looking to add more veggies? Try tossing in broccoli rabe, kale, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrients.

If you’re gluten-free, swap the orecchiette for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end for a luscious finish.

Finally, if you’re vegetarian, omit the sausage and add more garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes to build flavor. You can also incorporate plant-based sausage for a similar texture.

Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your spin on it, this dish is sure to delight every time.

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