Description
Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage is a quick and easy Italian dish combining tender ear-shaped pasta and savory Italian sausage with garlic, cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and optional Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting recipe offers a flavorful and versatile meal perfect for weeknights or any occasion, with customizable options to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 oz Orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy based on preference)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasoning and Garnishes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the sausage meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained orecchiette pasta to the skillet with the sausage and tomato mixture. Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Turn off the heat and toss in chopped fresh parsley. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of deliciousness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente to maintain texture and shape.
- Use quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and pasta for a silkier texture.
- Sauté garlic gently to avoid burning and maintain a mellow flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg