Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a hearty pasta dish to turn an ordinary evening into something special. Orecchiette with sausage and spinach brings together tender pasta, savory sausage, and the earthy goodness of spinach in a quick, one-pan masterpiece.

this Recipe

I first tried this recipe on a chilly fall evening, and it instantly became a household favorite. The best part? It’s easy to make, with simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Let me guide you through this family-friendly dinner that’s sure to win a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Why You'll Love This Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach

Get ready to embrace a dish that combines simplicity, speed, and sensational taste. Orecchiette with sausage and spinach is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare. With a cook time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without the fuss.

Second, the flavor combination is unbeatable. The saltiness of the sausage, the mild sweetness of sautéed garlic, and the subtle bitterness of spinach all come together beautifully with the pasta’s tender texture.

This dish is also nutrient-packed. Thanks to the fresh spinach, you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals without compromising on taste.

Lastly, it’s highly customizable. Whether you want to swap out the sausage, use gluten-free pasta, or add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes, this recipe welcomes your creativity.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this orecchiette with sausage and spinach lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each element shines while complementing the others.

Orecchiette Pasta
This pasta’s name means “little ears” in Italian, and it’s ideal for catching bits of sausage and sauce in its curved shape. If you don’t have orecchiette on hand, small shells or cavatelli are excellent substitutes.

Italian Sausage
Mild or spicy Italian sausage adds depth and savoriness to the dish. If you prefer leaner meat, turkey or chicken sausage works well, too. Don’t forget to remove the casing for easier crumbling!

Spinach
Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and balances the richness of the sausage. Baby spinach is a great choice, but you can also use chopped kale or arugula for a different twist.

Garlic and Onion
These aromatic staples infuse the dish with irresistible warmth and sweetness. Minced garlic and finely diced onion ensure even flavor distribution.

Chicken Broth and Parmesan Cheese
A splash of chicken broth keeps the pasta moist, while grated Parmesan cheese adds the perfect salty, umami finish. If you’re vegetarian, swap the broth for vegetable stock and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

No special equipment is needed—just a large skillet and a trusty pasta pot!

How To Make This Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Cook the pasta.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the sausage.
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics.
   In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Wilt the spinach.
   Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts. This should only take 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine and finish.
   Return the sausage to the skillet and stir in the cooked pasta. Add a splash of chicken broth and reserved pasta water, stirring to coat everything in a light sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss well.

This dish is ready to serve in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight hero with restaurant-quality results!

Storage Options

Leftovers of this orecchiette with sausage and spinach store beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe container. The pasta will keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Go vegetarian. Skip the sausage and bulk up the dish with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
• Spice it up. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Switch the greens. Kale, Swiss chard, or even broccoli rabe can be used in place of spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese options. Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or a dollop of ricotta for creaminess.
• Pasta swap. Use gluten-free orecchiette or any other pasta shape to suit dietary needs.

Feel free to experiment—this dish is forgiving and always comes out tasting fantastic!

Orecchiette with sausage and spinach is a crowd-pleaser that proves simple ingredients can deliver incredible flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight meal or preparing it for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

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