The Best Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe Ever Made

Creamy pasta dishes hold a special charm, and this orecchiette with sausage and spinach recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

The tender ear-shaped pasta perfectly cradles chunks of savory sausage and vibrant green spinach.

Each bite blends robust Italian flavors with simple, fresh ingredients.

The combination creates a rustic meal that feels both elegant and homey.

Weeknight dinners rarely get this delicious with such minimal effort.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this dish comes together.

Sausage Spinach Orecchiette – What Makes It Special

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this hearty pasta dish in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed One-Skillet Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing delicious combinations of sausage, spinach, and pasta.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize the recipe by choosing mild or spicy sausage, adjusting cheese levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: Incorporate nutrient-rich spinach into a classic pasta dish, creating a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet provides essential vitamins and minerals.

What Goes in Sausage Spinach Pasta

• Orecchiette: A small, ear-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the sauce and other ingredients.

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a classic aromatic base with its intense and warming flavor.

• Spinach: Adds nutritious green color and a mild, earthy taste to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for cooking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Pasta Water: Helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.

Cooking Orecchiette and Spinach Fast

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and drop in the orecchiette pasta.

Cook according to the package timing until the pasta reaches al dente perfection.

Before draining, carefully scoop out and set aside a quarter cup of the starchy cooking water.

Drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and pour in olive oil.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon.

Cook the meat until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and releases its flavorful oils.

Step 3: Infuse With Garlic

Mince the garlic and add it to the sizzling sausage.

Stir quickly and cook for about 60 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and release its aromatic essence without burning.

Step 4: Wilt The Spinach

Toss the fresh spinach leaves into the skillet.

Gently stir and cook until the spinach transforms from vibrant green to a soft, wilted texture, which typically takes around 2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the cooked orecchiette directly into the skillet.

Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta gets coated with the savory sausage and spinach mixture.

Step 6: Finish With Cheese And Seasoning

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you desire an extra kick.

Toss one final time to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the orecchiette to serving plates.

Top with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and aromatic.

Tips for Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

• Save and use that starchy reserved water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each orecchiette noodle.
• Use a wooden spoon to break sausage into small, even crumbles for consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
• Add spinach just until it turns bright green and softens to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value without overcooking.
• Sprinkle Parmesan gradually while tossing to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping of cheese.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference, starting with a small pinch and adding more for extra kick.

Orecchiette Pasta Swaps to Try

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace orecchiette with gluten-free corn or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Omit Parmesan cheese and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy taste that’s dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

How to Plate Sausage Spinach Pasta

• Rustic Italian Dinner Night: Serve this hearty pasta dish as the star of a cozy family meal with crusty bread and a simple green salad.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match the rich sausage with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust flavors.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra portions into a delicious frittata by mixing with eggs and baking for a quick next-day lunch.

Storing Orecchiette Pasta Meals

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the pasta completely to prevent drying out.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and help restore the sauce’s consistency. Stir gently until heated through.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Orecchiette is ideal because its bowl-like shape perfectly catches the sausage and sauce, creating a delicious bite every time.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Yes, ground beef or turkey can be substituted, though the flavor profile will be slightly different from traditional Italian sausage.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe can be mild or spicy depending on the sausage type and whether you add red pepper flakes. Choose a sweet Italian sausage for less heat or hot sausage for more kick.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to increase the nutrient content and add more texture to the dish.

Orecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy orecchiette with sausage and spinach delivers Italian comfort in one delightful skillet. Robust flavors blend perfectly, offering a quick weeknight meal that whisks you straight to southern Italy’s warm kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Proteins:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook orecchiette pasta until al dente, following package timing. Carefully preserve ¼ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble sausage into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking until golden brown and crispy.
3. Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, stirring constantly for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Gently fold fresh spinach into the sausage mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and incorporate fully, approximately 2 minutes.
5. Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, combining with reserved cooking liquid. Toss ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and create a light, silky sauce.
6. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Season with cracked black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes for added heat. Stir to coat ingredients completely.
7. Plate immediately while steaming hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced richness and presentation.

Notes

• Choose a robust, flavorful Italian sausage like sweet or spicy pork sausage for maximum taste depth.
• Drain sausage excess fat before adding garlic to prevent greasy texture and maintain clean flavor profile.
• Keep pasta water starchy and salty to help sauce cling better and enhance overall seasoning of the dish.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and interesting texture variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg