Orecchiette with sausage is a delicious Italian pasta dish that's both comforting and hearty. The small, ear-shaped pasta pairs wonderfully with a savory sausage sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make this classic dish:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) orecchiette pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (optional, or use chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional, for a creamy sauce)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the orecchiette and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
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Prepare the Sausage Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze and Simmer:
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the diced tomatoes and dried oregano. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
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Season and Serve:
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley.
Tips:
- Sausage: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose between sweet or spicy depending on your preference.
- Creamy Sauce: Adding heavy cream makes the sauce richer and creamier, but it's optional if you prefer a tomato-based sauce.
- Pasta Water: The reserved pasta cooking water is starchy and helps to thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta.
Enjoy your flavorful Orecchiette with Sausage!
