Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach recipe combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked orecchiette pasta. A quick and hearty dish ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe balances savory, nutritious, and comforting ingredients to create a standout meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (6-8 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water (as needed), and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute kale or arugula for spinach for a different flavor.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sausage while cooking for added depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg