Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients
- 8 ozuncooked orecchiette pasta
- 16 ozitalian sausage
see note
- ½ mediumonion
chopped
- 4 clovesgarlic
minced
- ½ tspdijon mustard
- ½ cdry white wine
- 3 cfresh baby spinach
packed
- 2 tbspfresh basil
optional
- to tastesalt & pepper
- optional, to tastefor serving: freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
Boil a large salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
- 2
Meanwhile, add the sausage meat and onion to a skillet, and sauté over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until it's cooked through and nicely browned. If there's more than about 1-2 tablespoons of fat left in the skillet, spoon out the excess, but be sure to leave some since we're not adding any extra butter or oil.
- 3
Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the garlic and Dijon mustard, and cook for about 30 seconds.
- 4
Pour in the wine and cook until reduced by half (about 1-2 minutes).
- 5
Add in the spinach and basil (if using). Toss, using tongs or two large spoons, until the spinach has wilted, then add in the drained pasta and toss again.
- 6
Season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese over top if desired.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, satisfying Italian dinner that's quick enough for a weeknight? This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach recipe delivers robust, comforting flavors in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
This recipe shines with its balanced profile, marrying savory Italian sausage with fresh, vibrant spinach in a delicate white wine and garlic sauce. The signature ear-shaped orecchiette pasta is perfectly designed to scoop up every delicious drop of the sauce, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
When you prepare this dish, you'll experience a comforting and savory meal where the rich notes of Italian sausage are beautifully complemented by the bright, slightly earthy wilted baby spinach and aromatic garlic. A hint of dry white wine adds a subtle acidity and depth that elevates the entire sauce, making each "little ear" of orecchiette a delightful mouthful. It's a satisfying main course that feels both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated, yet remains incredibly approachable for any home cook.
Customization & Serving
While savory Italian sausage is the star, you can easily adjust the amount of fresh basil to your liking, or omit it if you prefer. For a richer finish that ties all the flavors together, a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended upon serving.
This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.