Description
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach recipe combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh spinach in a simple yet flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach (about 5 cups)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook orecchiette in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Toss the cooked orecchiette into the skillet with the sausage and spinach mixture. Add reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Substitute kale or arugula for spinach if desired.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg