Best 10 Orecchiette With Caramelized Fennel And Spicy Sausage Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with orecchiette pasta, a delectable dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized fennel and spicy sausage. Originating from the sun-kissed region of Puglia, Italy, orecchiette, meaning "little ears" in Italian, are small, ear-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the essence of rustic Italian cuisine. This article presents not just one, but four enticing recipes featuring orecchiette, each offering a unique culinary experience to satisfy every palate.

**Orecchiette with Caramelized Fennel and Spicy Sausage**:
Embark on a flavor journey with this classic combination of sweet and savory. Savor the caramelized fennel, which lends a subtle anise flavor, balanced by the heat of spicy sausage. Fresh parsley adds a refreshing touch to this delectable dish.

**Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage**:
Experience the vibrant flavors of broccoli rabe and sausage in this hearty and satisfying recipe. The bitterness of broccoli rabe is beautifully complemented by the savory sausage, while garlic and red pepper flakes add a touch of spice.

**Orecchiette with Roasted Red Peppers and Sausage**:
Delight in the vibrant colors and flavors of roasted red peppers and sausage. The sweetness of the peppers contrasts wonderfully with the spicy sausage, while onions and garlic create a flavorful base.

**Orecchiette with Mushrooms and Sausage**:
Indulge in the earthy flavors of mushrooms and sausage in this comforting dish. A medley of mushrooms, including cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, adds depth and complexity, while garlic and white wine deglaze the pan for a rich and flavorful sauce.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

ORECCHIETTE WITH ROASTED FENNEL AND SAUSAGE



Orecchiette with Roasted Fennel and Sausage image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 to 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 small bulbs fennel, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces (2 1/2 cups) orecchiette pasta
One 4-ounce spicy Italian sausage link, casing removed
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
2 tablespoons white wine, such as pinot grigio
8 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
1 teaspoon capers, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • For the fennel: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Spray a small baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray.
  • Toss the fennel, oil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Arrange the fennel in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast until golden and tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • For the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the sausage and break into 1/2-inch pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Add the onion, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and wine and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook until all of the wine has evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, parsley and capers. Cook for 30 seconds. Add the pasta, fennel and cheese. Toss until all ingredients are coated, adding the reserved pasta water as needed, to loosen the pasta.

ORECCHIETTE WITH CARAMELIZED FENNEL AND SPICY SAUSAGE RECIPE - (5/5)



Orecchiette with Caramelized Fennel and Spicy Sausage Recipe - (5/5) image

Provided by lorik

Number Of Ingredients 8

Serves 4 to 6
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound uncooked spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
2 large fennel bulbs, trimmed, cored, and thinly sliced (reserve 1/4 cup chopped fronds for serving)
1 pound dry orecchiette pasta
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and drain any excess fat in the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and sliced fennel to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently and reducing the heat if the fennel starts to burn, until the fennel is soft and caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain. Add the cooked sausage, pasta, and the reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to combine. Continue to toss and stir the pasta until the sauce coats the pasta and the water has evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese and the reserved fennel fronds sprinkled over the top of each bowl. Recipe Notes: Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Per serving, based on 4 servings. (% daily value) Calories 920 Fat 44.3 g (68.1%) Saturated 14.2 g (70.8%) Carbs 96.5 g (32.2%) Fiber 8.3 g (33.4%) Sugars 9 g Protein 32.8 g (65.7%) Cholesterol 86.2 mg (28.7%) Sodium 915 mg (38.1%)

ORECCHIETTE WITH SPICY SAUSAGE



Orecchiette With Spicy Sausage image

This is the perfect dish for people who love pasta with a kick. Loaded with spicy sausage and vegetables, this recipe comes together quickly and is richly satisfying.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt
12 ounces orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
8 ounces fresh chorizo or other spicy sausage, casings removed
2 spring onions (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced, plus more for topping
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the spring onions and cook until softened, about 3 more minutes. Add the garlic, mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms start to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften slightly, about 3 more minutes.
  • Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the broth to the skillet and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in the pasta and cheese, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls, drizzle with olive oil and top with more cheese and spring onions.

ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE AND SPINACH



Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces bulk sweet Italian sausage
1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 14-ounce can cherry tomatoes
12 ounces orecchiette
8 cups baby spinach (about 4 ounces), roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

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.

3-INGREDIENT ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE AND FENNEL



3-Ingredient Orecchiette with Sausage and Fennel image

Be sure to add the sausage just before the last toss to maintain all those delicious crispy bits.

Provided by Dawn Perry

Categories     3-Ingredient Recipes     Sausage     Pasta     Quick & Easy     Fennel     Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 ounces orecchiette or other short pasta
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 fennel bulb (about 12 ounces), cored, thinly sliced, fronds chopped and reserved
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until cooked through and browned and crispy in spots, 6-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.
  • Add sliced fennel to skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fennel begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Continue to cook, adding 1/4 cup water to skillet as bottom begins to brown (you may need to do this a few times), until soft and caramelized, 10-15 minutes more.
  • Add pasta and reserved pasta cooking liquid to skillet and cook, tossing to coat, until liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce, about 4 minutes. Add sausage and fennel fronds, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

ORECCHIETTE WITH FENNEL AND SAUSAGE



Orecchiette With Fennel and Sausage image

Orecchiette pasta, the "little ears" that are typical of the Apulia region in Italy's heel, is frequently prepared with sausage and broccoli rabe. For this recipe, I've swapped the broccoli rabe for a rich fennel component, which adds a distinctive flavor profile to the pasta dish. The preparation goes fairly quickly. And as an alternative to tossing the ingredients together before serving, it can be placed in an ovenproof casserole and baked, shingled generously with shards of pecorino on top. Baking at 350 degrees will take about 20 minutes, if the ingredients are hot.

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage with fennel
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 large fennel bulb, trimmed, cored and chopped (about 2 cups), fronds reserved
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt
12 ounces orecchiette
1/4 cup mascarpone
Ground black pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 ounce pecorino, grated

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a 3-quart sauté pan on medium-low. Add the sausages and cook, turning frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove sausages to a cutting board. Add fennel seeds to the pan, cook until fragrant, then add fresh fennel, onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent and just starting to color, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt. Turn off heat.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 13 to 15 minutes. As the pasta cooks, quarter the sausages lengthwise, then slice 1/2-inch thick. Add sausage to the sauté pan and heat on medium-low. Stir in mascarpone and season generously with pepper. Add 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir and continue heating gently. Mince 2 tablespoons of reserved fennel fronds.
  • When the pasta is done, reserve another 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain pasta - you don't have to be utterly thorough about it - and add it to the sauté pan along with enough additional pasta water for a mixture that's quite moist but not soupy. Check seasoning, fold in parsley and fennel fronds, and transfer to a serving dish, individual plates or bowls. Serve with pecorino alongside.

ORECCHIETTE WITH FENNEL, SAUSAGE, AND SWEET PEPPERS



Orecchiette with Fennel, Sausage, and Sweet Peppers image

Orecchiette pasta with fennel, sausage, and sweet peppers.

Provided by Christopher Stolworthy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound bell peppers, sliced
1 bulb fennel, cored and quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium shallot, minced
1 (16 ounce) package orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup basil leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
  • Toss bell peppers and fennel with oil and thyme. Place vegetables on a baking sheet.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and shallot; saute until sausage is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in orecchiette and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 12 to 14 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Add orecchiette pasta, tomato paste, garlic, and roasted vegetables to the sausage in the skillet. Cook over medium heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the reserved pasta water; simmer until sauce is reduced to your liking, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.8 calories, Carbohydrate 50.8 g, Cholesterol 22.3 mg, Fat 15.4 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 495.2 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

ORECCHIETTE WITH SPICY SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI RABE



Orecchiette with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe image

Categories     Sauce     Picnic     Buffet     Sausage     Broccoli     Broccoli Rabe     Boil

Yield 4 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Salt
2 bunches of broccoli rabe, stalks trimmed and quartered crosswise
12 ounces dried orecchiette pasta or other small shaped pasta, such as farfalle or penne
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound spicy pork sausage, casings removed
3 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Strain the broccoli rabe, reserving all the cooking liquid. Set the broccoli rabe aside. Cook the orecchiette in the same pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, in a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over a medium flame. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until the sausage is brown and juices form, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli rabe and toss to coat. Add the pasta and enough reserved cooking liquid, 1/4 cup at a time, to moisten. Stir the Parmesan cheese, salt to taste, and pepper into the pasta mixture. Transfer to pasta bowls and serve.

SAUSAGE & FENNEL ORECCHIETTE



Sausage & fennel orecchiette image

Throw together orecchiette with sausages, fennel, broccoli and leek to make this easy dinner. Taking just 25 minutes, it's ideal for busy days

Provided by Liberty Mendez

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 leek, halved and finely sliced
1 small fennel bulb, halved and finely sliced, fronds reserved
250g long-stemmed broccoli, larger stalks finely sliced
300g orecchiette or any short pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
6 sausages
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tsp fennel seeds
1 tbsp tomato purée
2 carrots, grated
400g can chopped tomatoes

Steps:

  • Boil a large pan of salted water, turn the heat down to medium, then add the leek, sliced fennel and broccoli, and simmer for 3 mins until tender. Lift the veg out of the water using a slotted spoon, drain and set aside. Keep the pan of water on the heat, add the orecchiette and cook for around 11 mins, or until tender but still retaining some bite.
  • Meanwhile, put a large frying pan over a high heat, add the olive oil and squeeze the sausagemeat out of the skins, tearing it into small pieces in the pan using a wooden spoon. Fry for 3-4 mins until golden brown and almost cooked, then add the garlic, fennel seeds and tomato purée, and fry for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the blanched veg and grated carrot, and cook for another 4 mins. Tip in the tomatoes, bring to the boil, then simmer for around 4 mins until reduced slightly.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water, and toss the pasta in the pan with the sausage and tomato sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen. Season and serve with the reserved fennel fronds scattered over the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 527 calories, Fat 19 grams fat, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 62 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 11 grams sugar, Fiber 8 grams fiber, Protein 21 grams protein, Sodium 1 milligram of sodium

ORECCHIETTE WITH SPICY SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI RABE



Orecchiette With Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe image

This can be served hot or at room temperature. From Everyday Italian. I love orecchiette pasta and broccoli rabe and usually they are together in dishes but I love the additon of the sausage.

Provided by Pumpkie

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 bunches broccoli rabe, stalks trimmed and quartered crosswise
12 ounces dried orecchiette
3 tablespoons qood quality olive oil
1 lb spicy bulk sausage
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8-1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Strain the broccoli rabe, and reserve all the cooking liquid. Set the broccoli rabe aside.
  • Cook the orecchiette in the same pot of boiling water until tender but still firm about 8 minutes, stir occasionally. Drain reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sausage and cook breaking up with a spoon until the sausage is brown and juices form, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli rabe and toss to coat.
  • Add the pasta and enough reserved cooking liquid, 1/4 cup at a time, to moisten.
  • Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt to taste, and pepper into the pasta mixture. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
  • If you don't have orecchiette pasta, you can use another short pasta shape, such as penne or rigatoni.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your taste; if you like it spicy, add more.
  • Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Conclusion:

Orecchiette with Caramelized Fennel and Spicy Sausage is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of sweet fennel, spicy sausage, and creamy cheese sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new pasta recipe to try, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!

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