Description
Explore the delightful flavors of “Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach Delight,” a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any dining occasion. Featuring the robust taste of Italian sausage paired with the fresh, vibrant notes of spinach, all nestled in tender orecchiette pasta, this dish promises to be both satisfying and flavorful. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed meal with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked orecchiette pasta
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- For serving: freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the orecchiette pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage and Onions
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chopped sausage meat and onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and the onions are translucent. If necessary, remove any excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Mustard
Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Wine
Pour the dry white wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
5. Incorporate Spinach and Basil
Add the fresh spinach and basil to the skillet. Use tongs to toss and wilt the spinach. Follow by adding the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the flavors meld.
6. Season and Serve
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the hot pasta topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the pasta seems dry.
- Freezing is not recommended as the pasta may become overly soft when thawed and reheated.
Conclusion
The “Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach Delight” is a must-try recipe that perfectly captures the essence of Italian cooking with its simple yet bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a comforting meal to share, this recipe is sure to impress. Its combination of savory sausage, nutritious spinach, and pasta make it a balanced dish that’s both delicious and fulfilling.
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Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Explore the delightful flavors of “Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach Delight,” a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any dining occasion. Featuring the robust taste of Italian sausage paired with the fresh, vibrant notes of spinach, all nestled in tender orecchiette pasta, this dish promises to be both satisfying and flavorful. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed meal with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked orecchiette pasta
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- For serving: freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the orecchiette pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Onions In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chopped sausage meat and onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and the onions are translucent. If necessary, remove any excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
- Add Garlic and Mustard Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine Pour the dry white wine into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Spinach and Basil Add the fresh spinach and basil to the skillet. Use tongs to toss and wilt the spinach. Follow by adding the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the flavors meld.
- Season and Serve Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the hot pasta topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes