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Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage

Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage
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Easy Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender orecchiette pasta pairs wonderfully with spicy or sweet Italian sausage, fresh garlic, herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes, creating a comforting and savory meal that’s simple to make and delightful to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz orecchiette pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Sausage and Sauce

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, casing removed if necessary)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the orecchiette pasta. Cook until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later.
  2. Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove sausage from casing if needed and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage in the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Combine pasta and sausage: Reduce the heat to low, add the drained pasta to the skillet, and toss everything together. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  5. Finish with herbs and cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well to blend all the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use good-quality sausage to enhance flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce.
  • Toast garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: orecchiette pasta, Italian sausage, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, sausage pasta, weeknight meal, spicy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/orecchiette-pasta-with-sausage/