There is magic to be found in any quick, easy, and downright delicious recipe, all the more so if it may be made all in one pan. That is exactly what this One Pan Orecchiette Pasta serves: just the thing for a busy, hectic weeknight when you want a comforting, flavorful meal but don’t have time (or energy) for complex cooking and a sink full of dishes.
Here, accompanied by the fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tasty ingredients cooked together with orecchiette pasta in under 30 minutes, is a healthy yet filling meal.
What is Orecchiette?
The small, round pasta known as orecchiette literally translates to “little ears” in Italian and the shape lives up to the name. Its unique shape lets sauces and toppings stay perfectly in place and each bite is packed with flavor. Orecchiette originated in the Puglia region of Italy but can be used equally well in a wide range of dishes, including robust, earthy sauces such as sausage and broccoli rabe.
Why One Pan?
The beauty of cooking in one pan is that it is so simple. Everything cooks in the same pan, so all the flavors combine to form a deeper taste. Also, less pans mean lesser cleaning; who does not love that? One could also cook his pasta with his vegetables and proteins in the same pan and absorb all that wonderful flavor in the pasta itself.
One Pan Orecchiette Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) orecchiette pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to make the Sausage:
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet or sauté pan and place over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage. You will need to break it up with the spoon as it cooks as that is a necessary step so it browns evenly. - It should take 5-7 minutes to cook and brown the sausage.
Transfer the cooked sausage from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: - Add the diced onion and minced garlic into the same pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes over occasional stirring, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using), tossing it all together. Now add another 2 minutes, letting the tomatoes become soft.
Add in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil.
Cook the Pasta: - Add the orecchiette pasta directly to the pan, ensuring that the pasta is covered completely by the broth.
Stir the pasta occasionally so that it can absorb the liquid as it cooks. - That should be about 12-15 minutes or when your type of pasta will be done. If the liquid is evaporating too fast, a bit more broth or water may be added to it.
Add the Spinach and Sausage: - Add in the fresh spinach (or kale) and cooked sausage when the pasta is almost done.
Let it wilt down for about 2-3 minutes.
Finishing with Cheese and Seasoning: - After you have cooked your pasta al dente and your spinach has wilted, you will add in your grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. This cheese will melt into your sauce and give a good, creamy texture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat and add fresh basil or parsley for a blast of added brightness.
Serve immediately, with additional Parmesan cheese for the table to sprinkle over the one-panorecchiette pasta.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Use more vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms or bell peppers, in place of sausage to create an extremely fulfilling vegetarian version.
- Protein Swap: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken. For a pescatarian version, add shrimp to the end of the cooking process.
- Alternative Cheeses: If you don’t like Parmesan, then Pecorino Romano or a combination of Italian cheeses will be quite suitable.
- Add a Crunch: Top your pasta with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for an extra textural contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rapid & Easy: This tasty one-pan dish is ready start to finish within 30 minutes, great for busy weeknights.
- Cleanup will be very minimal since only one pan will be used in preparing the dish, saving time on washing dishes as you get to enjoy your meal.
- Tastes Delightfully Delectable: This savory, rich dish is flavored by the combination of sausage, garlic, and Parmesan, while fresh flavors come from spinach and tomatoes.
- Versatile: This recipe adapts extremely well to what you do with it. Whether you want to add extra veggies or replace the protein, you end up having a tasty outcome in any case.
Pairing Suggestions:
- This One Pan Orecchiette Pasta is best served with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil, lemon and Parmesan for a complete meal.
- A garlic bread for dipping the remaining sauce in the pan.
- A dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. This would be sufficiently dry to serve with savory flavors of the pasta without overpowering them.
Concluding Thoughts:
This One Pan Orecchiette Pasta is more of a lifesaver for those nights you are willing to get something satisfying but don’t really feel like you have time or energy to prepare something complex. It is full of minimal ingredients and tremendous flavors, guaranteed for a staple during the week in your home. Plus, the one-pan method leaves you less time cleaning and more time to enjoy the yummy meal you just prepared.