orecchiette and sausage recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best orecchiette and sausage recipe

Orecchiette and sausage is a classic Italian recipe that never fails to impress. I first tried it at my Italian friend’s house, and I was hooked from the first bite. The combination of the delicate pasta, the spicy sausage, and the rich tomato sauce is a match made in heaven.

It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight meal. My kids love it because it’s fun to eat – the little ears of pasta are so cute on their forks! And let’s not forget the health benefits – the whole wheat pasta is a great source of fiber, and the sausage is packed with protein.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique involved in cooking the orecchiette. It’s all about timing – you want to cook it just until it’s al dente, so it still has a bit of bite. This is what makes this dish so satisfying to eat.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Just throw everything together in one pot, and let it simmer until the flavors have melded together.

It’s truly a no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy families like mine. I’ve made it countless times, and each time it turns out deliciously. My husband loves it because he can customize his portion to his liking – add more sausage, less sauce…

it’s all up to him! And I love it because I can feel good about what we’re eating – no artificial preservatives or additives here.

Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Sausage

4.6 from 1646 votes

A hearty pasta dish featuring homemade orecchiette and spicy Italian sausage in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt

For the Sauce

1 lb spicy Italian sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Orecchiette

1/2 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2Gradually add 1/2 cup water and mix until a dough forms.
3Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
5While the dough is resting, prepare the sauce.
6In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
7Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a spoon.
8Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
9In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
10Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
11Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
12Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
13Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce and stir to combine.
15Roll out the rested dough using a pasta machine or rolling pin until it reaches your desired thickness.
16Cut the dough into small rectangles and shape each piece into orecchiette by pressing the dough with your thumb and forefinger.
17Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
18Add the orecchiette and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
19Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
20Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet with the sausage sauce.
21Toss well to combine, adding a little pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
22Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pasta is well coated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
23Serve the orecchiette with spicy Italian sausage hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Pasta machine or rolling pin
Large pot
Skillet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute mild Italian sausage for a less spicy dish. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or eggplant instead of sausage.

Watch Video Of How Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Sausage Works

This orecchiette and sausage recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for your next family gathering. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cleanup afterwards. Plus, you can customize your portion to your liking by adding more sausage or less sauce…

it’s truly a no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy families like mine.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Sausage

Q1: What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

The best type of sausage for this recipe is sweet Italian sausage, which has a mild flavor and a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the delicate orecchiette pasta.

Q2: Can I use any type of pasta instead of orecchiette?

No, you should stick with orecchiette for this recipe – its unique shape and texture are essential to the dish.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for up to two months.

Q4: Can I make this recipe vegetarian by substituting out the sausage?

No, you should not substitute out the sausage – its flavor and texture are crucial to the dish.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?

To reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta, you should cover them with foil and heat them in a low oven (around 275°F) for about 20 minutes.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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