Sausage Orecchiette

Let me paint you a picture of a cozy, bustling kitchen with the delightful aroma of garlic and spicy sausage wafting through the air. If you’ve never wrapped orecchiette around a fork and marveled at its sauce-catching genius, you, my friend, are in for a real treat. This Sausage Orecchiette is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re cheating on dinner with dessert because it’s that comforting and satisfying.

The first time I made this for my little family, it was one of those chaotic weekday evenings. You know the type—when you’re still semi-sane, cooking but constantly stepping over toys and dodging flying paper planes. My husband, in his usual enthusiastic foodie fashion, helped himself to seconds, then thirds. That sneaky joy on his face said it all—this meal meant love. It’s honest, a tad messy, and perfectly fits into our savory collection of weeknight faves.

How to Make It

Alright, buckle up! Start by grabbing that trusty skillet, and before you know it, you’ll be a pasta pro. Fry up some crumbled sausage until it’s got that lovely crispy edge, then toss in a heap of garlic and red pepper flakes to get that sizzle going. Now, introduce the tomatoes, let them stew in all those flavors, reducing to their ultimate saucy destiny. Occasionally give it all a love stir and feel free to get lost in the aroma—it’s culinary magic. Finally, toss in your orecchiette, garnish with basil, and revel in the masterpiece you’ve created.

✔Ingredient Notes

– Sausage: Spicy or mild, your call. Just don’t go turkey unless you want to go tame.
– Orecchiette: These little pasta “ears” are perfect sauce scoops. So cute and crucial.
– Garlic: The more, the merrier. Too little and you might miss that garlic party.

✔Recipe Steps

1. Brown sausage in a large skillet until crispy.
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, stir until fragrant.
3. Pour in tomatoes, let simmer until saucy.
4. Cook orecchiette separately, then combine.
5. Stir in fresh basil before serving.
6. Dish up and soak in the praise!

What to Serve It With

– A crispy, tangy side salad—keeps things fresh.
– A slice of garlic bread to scoop up every last drop.
– A glass of red wine if kids allow such luxuries.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Overcooked pasta can be disastrous; keep it al dente for that perfect bite!

✔Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container—fridge or bust. If you eat it cold, it’s honestly like a pasta salad (and if breakfast calls, go with it, no judgment here).

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap sausage for ground beef or chicken if that’s what you’ve got.
– Experiment with penne or farfalle in the absence of orecchiette.
– Sneak in some spinach or kale—hide the good stuff in plain sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sausage Orecchiette

This delicious sausage orecchiette pasta dish combines savory Italian sausage with tender pasta and fresh herbs for a hearty weeknight meal.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 12 oz orecchiette pasta
• ▢ 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ▢ 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
• ▢ 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they soften.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with sausage mixture. Season with salt and black pepper.
• Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream before stirring in the Parmesan cheese.