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Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage

Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage
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A hearty and flavorful Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage recipe that combines tender, ear-shaped pasta with savory Italian sausage, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make dish delivers comforting, satisfying flavors perfect for weeknight dinners in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz orecchiette pasta
  • 12 oz Italian sausage, crumbled (sweet or spicy)

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Oils, Spices, and Herbs

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Finishing

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orecchiette pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the skillet.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then toss in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften and release their juices, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir well with the tomato and garlic mixture. Add the drained orecchiette pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Give the dish one final toss, then plate it up to enjoy!

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain firm texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to create a silky, well-coated sauce.
  • Use fresh, high-quality sausage for best flavor.
  • Toast garlic gently to avoid bitterness and keep aromatic flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs last minute to preserve vibrant color and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: orecchiette pasta, Italian sausage, pasta recipe, easy pasta, weeknight dinner, savory pasta, Italian cuisine

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