Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of orecchiette with sausage and spinach to brighten up a busy weeknight. This dish brings together perfectly cooked pasta, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, all coated in a light, flavorful sauce that keeps you coming back for more.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe during a search for something hearty yet easy to prepare after a long day. Now, it’s a household favorite, loved for its simplicity and rich, satisfying flavors. Let’s dive in and see why this might just become your new go-to dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Get ready to savor a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. This orecchiette recipe combines bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a top contender for any dinner rotation.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute plans.

It’s also wonderfully wholesome. The combination of tender spinach and hearty sausage delivers a balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, without feeling heavy or overindulgent.

Versatility is another major win. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit what you have on hand, making it a recipe that works for different preferences and dietary needs.

And let’s not forget the presentation – orecchiette’s charming, ear-shaped pasta holds the sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each adding depth and texture to the dish.

Orecchiette pasta is the star here, with its unique shape perfect for catching bits of sausage and sauce. While you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, orecchiette truly shines in this recipe.

Chicken or beef sausage brings the savory backbone to the dish. Look for a sausage with robust seasoning, as it will infuse the sauce with incredible flavor. If you prefer, you can also use turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Fresh spinach adds a vibrant, earthy note while providing a boost of vitamins and minerals. Baby spinach works best as it wilts quickly, but regular spinach can be chopped and used just as effectively.

Garlic plays a subtle yet essential role, enhancing the dish with its aromatic and slightly nutty undertones. Mince it finely for the best distribution of flavor.

Olive oil is the base for sautéing, offering a rich and fruity undertone that complements the other ingredients. Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.

You’ll also need basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for seasoning. These simple ingredients tie everything together beautifully.

No special equipment is required – just a large pot for boiling pasta and a skillet for the sauce.

How To Make This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

This dish comes together with ease, making it perfect even if you’re short on time or energy. Let’s walk through the steps to create this comforting meal.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as you’ll need it later to bring the sauce together.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until it’s fully browned and slightly crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat.

Toss in the spinach, stirring until it wilts and softens. This only takes a couple of minutes. Once the spinach is ready, return the sausage to the skillet, mixing everything to combine.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, letting the pasta absorb the flavors and form a light sauce. If the dish seems dry, add more pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and serve warm. The total process takes about 25-30 minutes, leaving you with a meal that feels like a labor of love but fits into any busy schedule.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry – this dish reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing the container to preserve its texture.

To reheat, transfer the pasta to a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. This method helps maintain the pasta’s texture without drying it out.

You can also freeze the dish for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as described above.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own with these variations.

Swap the sausage for grilled chicken strips or even shrimp for a lighter, seafood-inspired version of the dish.

Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a burst of juicy sweetness. Simply toss them in when sautéing the garlic.

If you’re a fan of cheese, finish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for an extra layer of flavor.

For a heartier meal, mix in a can of rinsed and drained white beans or cooked lentils. They complement the sausage and spinach beautifully.

Experiment with other greens like kale or arugula in place of spinach for a different flavor profile.

No matter how you customize it, this orecchiette with sausage and spinach is sure to become a regular feature at your table. Enjoy experimenting and finding the version that your family loves the most!

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