Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

There’s something magical about a bowl of perfectly cooked orecchiette paired with savory sausage and fresh spinach. The way the pasta cradles the sauce and fillings ensures every bite is packed with flavor. This dish is an ideal combination of comfort and elegance, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to bring restaurant-quality meals to my home kitchen without spending hours cooking. The result? A dish that’s now a staple in my family’s dinner rotation. Let’s dive in and explore why this recipe is a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Orecchiette With Sausage and Spinach

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that checks all the right boxes. This orecchiette with sausage and spinach is not only delicious but also simple to prepare and incredibly versatile.

First, it’s ridiculously quick and easy. In under 30 minutes, you can have a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Perfect for weeknights when time is tight but expectations are high.

Second, the flavors are unmatched. The salty richness of the sausage balances beautifully with the freshness of the spinach, while the orecchiette captures the savory sauce in its little cups.

Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding picky kids, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers every single time.

Finally, it’s adaptable. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a fantastic recipe for cleaning out your fridge or trying something new.

Now that you’re hooked, let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Orecchiette Pasta
Orecchiette, meaning “little ears” in Italian, is the perfect pasta for this dish. Its shape catches the sauce and sausage bits, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. If you don’t have orecchiette, small shells or cavatelli make excellent substitutes.

Italian Sausage
I recommend using sweet or mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor, but spicy sausage works wonderfully if you want to add a little heat. Remove the casings before cooking to allow the meat to crumble evenly.

Fresh Spinach
A heaping handful of fresh spinach brings a pop of color and nutrition to the dish. You can use baby spinach for a tender texture or opt for regular spinach, just chop it roughly before adding.

Garlic and Onion
Minced garlic and diced onion form the flavor base of the sauce. Their aromatic qualities enhance the richness of the sausage and bring depth to the dish.

Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream
A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a light yet luscious sauce that clings to the pasta. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk.

How To Make This Orecchiette With Sausage and Spinach

Making this dish is as straightforward as it is delicious. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner every time.

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the sausage
   In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a splash of olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Make the sauce
   Pour in the chicken broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and finish
   Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, along with the drained pasta and fresh spinach. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

Serve your orecchiette hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Storage Options

This dish is so good, you might not have any leftovers—but if you do, here’s how to store and reheat them for best results.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a delicious option for meal prep.

Freezer: While the pasta can become slightly soft after freezing, you can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
• Greens Swap: Use kale or arugula in place of spinach for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in some mascarpone or ricotta cheese at the end for an extra creamy sauce.
• Spicy Upgrade: Use hot Italian sausage and add a teaspoon of red chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the orecchiette with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

No matter how you customize it, this orecchiette with sausage and spinach is sure to remain a family favorite. Let your creativity shine and enjoy every delicious bite!

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