**Baked Orecchiette: A Delightful Symphony of Flavors and Textures**
Embark on a culinary journey to discover the irresistible charm of baked orecchiette, a traditional Italian pasta dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Originating from the sun-kissed region of Puglia, orecchiette, meaning "little ears" in Italian, are small, ear-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking. In this article, we present a collection of delectable baked orecchiette recipes that showcase the versatility and endless possibilities of this beloved dish. From classic preparations featuring simple yet flavorful ingredients to more elaborate creations bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, these recipes are sure to satisfy every palate and make your taste buds dance with delight.
ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE AND SPINACH
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 3 minutes. Add the scallion whites and rosemary and cook until the scallions begin to wilt, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices and 1⁄2 cup of the boiling water. Let simmer while you cook the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
- Add the pasta to the tomato sauce along with the spinach and half of the scallion greens. Toss to coat the pasta and wilt the spinach, about 1 minute, gradually adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Season with salt, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and remove from the heat.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the pasta and toss well. Divide among plates or shallow bowls and top with the remaining scallion greens.
BAKED RICOTTA ORECCHIETTE
Baked ricotta honestly rivals the whole baked feta thing. It's such a simple, easy-to-make dish that's so delicious. Garnish with fresh herbs and/or some freshly grated Grana Padano cheese. Enjoy!
Provided by Jonathan Charbz
Categories Pasta Main Dishes
Time 1h5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Combine cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and garlic in a large, 3-quart baking dish. Drizzle generously with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything. Make a well in the center of the dish and drop in the ricotta cheese. Drizzle the ricotta with remaining olive oil and give it a generous pinch more of pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Switch the oven to broil at 500 degrees F (260 degrees C) and continue to cook until desired blistering and browning occurs, 2 to 4 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Remove the baked ricotta dish from the oven and place onto a wire cooling rack.
- Add thyme leaves, then stir the ricotta to break it up. Stir in fresh basil, parsley, and lemon juice. Add the reserved pasta water to loosen things up if needed. Taste and adjust salt if desired. Add the orecchiette and stir until everything is coated. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 722.1 calories, Carbohydrate 100 g, Cholesterol 33 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 28.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 185.5 mg, Sugar 4.9 g
ORECCHIETTE WITH TOASTED BREADCRUMBS
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories main-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium-sized saute pan, heat the oil until warm. Since the bread crumbs will cook quickly, you don't want to add them into a hot pan, otherwise they can burn. Add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly. Season lightly with salt and pepper since flavored bread crumbs may already have seasoning. Saute for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Drain pasta in a colander. Working quickly, add pasta to the saute pan and stir to combine. Add Parmesan and the chopped prosciutto. Mix thoroughly. Pour into large serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don't overcook the orecchiette. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Use a variety of cheeses. This will add a complex and flavorful layer to the dish.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini, are all great additions to this dish.
- Serve the orecchiette hot. It is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Conclusion:
Baked orecchiette is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta, and it can also be made ahead of time and reheated. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at a party, baked orecchiette is sure to please.
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