Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Welcome back to our kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner—Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach. This recipe combines the satisfying chew of orecchiette pasta with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a splash of white wine. Let’s get cooking!

Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked orecchiette pasta
• 16 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed, if applicable)
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil a large pot of salted water.
   • Cook the orecchiette pasta until al dente, following the package directions.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
   • In a large skillet, cook the sausage and chopped onion over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, until the sausage is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Reduce the heat to medium.
   • Add the minced garlic and Dijon mustard to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds.
3. Deglaze with Wine:
   • Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Spinach and Basil:
   • Add the fresh baby spinach and chopped basil (if using), stirring until the spinach has wilted.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage mixture.
   • Toss well to integrate all ingredients.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Servings: 4 servings

Tips and Variations:

• Vegan Option: Substitute Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, vegetable broth is a great alternative.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Conclusion:

This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Feel free to share your version of this recipe in the comments below, and let us know how it turned out. If you have any favorite pasta recipes, we’d love to hear about them too! Stay tuned for more delicious recipes and kitchen tips.