Description
This quick and flavorful Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage recipe combines tender little ear-shaped pasta with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and family meals, balancing bold, hearty flavors with comforting simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Orecchiette pasta
- 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or hot, based on preference)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare 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 the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from casing if using links, crumble it into the skillet, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
- Combine pasta and sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes. Add the drained orecchiette pasta and toss everything together. If the mixture feels dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
- Finish with herbs and cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil or parsley along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Use good quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercook it to maintain firmness when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce that coats the pasta well.
- Brown the sausage thoroughly to add caramelized depth to the flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for a bright, fresh taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: orecchiette, pasta, sausage, Italian, quick dinner, one-pot meal, weeknight dinner, family friendly
