Best 4 Orecchiette With Fresh Tomatoes And Sausage Recipes

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Orecchiette with Fresh Tomatoes and Sausage is a delectable Italian dish that combines simple, rustic ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Originating from the sun-kissed region of Puglia, orecchiette, meaning "little ears," are small, ear-shaped pasta that perfectly capture the vibrant sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Succulent Italian sausage adds a savory depth and a touch of spice, while the tangy Pecorino Romano cheese brings it all together. This delightful pasta dish is not only easy to make but also a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce and the culinary traditions of Southern Italy.

In addition to the main recipe, the article offers a collection of variations to suit diverse preferences and dietary needs. For those who prefer a vegetarian version, there's a meatless variation that swaps out the sausage for hearty mushrooms, while the vegan alternative replaces both sausage and cheese with plant-based ingredients. For those seeking a touch of heat, a spicy version incorporates chili flakes or hot peppers to add a fiery kick. And for those who love seafood, a variation with shrimp or mussels transforms the dish into a delightful seafood extravaganza. With its versatility and adaptability, Orecchiette with Fresh Tomatoes and Sausage is a recipe that can be enjoyed by all.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGES AND SPINACH



Orecchiette with Sausages and Spinach image

Orecchiette pasta (in Italian, it means "little ears") is tossed in a skillet with crumbled sausages, fresh cherry tomatoes, white wine, garlic, and fresh spinach. Topped with grated pecorino cheese to give this dish a burst more flavor!

Provided by Anna

Categories     Dinner

Time 28m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil - divided
4 links of Italian sausage, removed from casings, crumbled
6 garlic cloves- sliced
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 cup white wine
8 to 10 cherry tomatoes- sliced
3 cups packed baby spinach
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 pound of Orecchiette pasta
2 Tbsp. grated pecorino cheese, and extra for serving

Steps:

  • In a large, deep skillet, on medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and crumbled sausage.
  • Cook until sausage is brown and fully cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute with the sausage.
  • Pour in white wine and cherry tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes have softened.
  • Stir in the 2nd tablespoon of olive oil, then add in the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts. Turn off the heat and set it aside.
  • Meantime, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and add in the Orecchiette pasta. Cook the orecchiette until they are al-dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of salty water. Drain the pasta.
  • Transfer orecchiette pasta to the skillet with sausage mixture. Slowly add in the reserved pasta water. Turn the heat back onto a low heat, and sauté while stirring everything until well combined, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated pecorino cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to serving plates and serve.
  • Serves 4

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329 calories, Protein 12.8 grams protein, ServingSize 1 serving

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.

WHITE BEAN, TOMATO AND SAUSAGE ORECCHIETTE



White Bean, Tomato and Sausage Orecchiette image

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
2 pints grape or pear tomatoes, quartered
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
One 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus additional for garnish
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade, plus additional for garnish

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette according to package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with the back of a spoon, until it starts to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage to a bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving all the oil in the skillet.
  • Add the onions to the oil and cook until they start to soften and turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to blister and split, about 4 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
  • Add the beans and return the sausage to the skillet. Cook until warmed through. Add the pasta and toss until it is completely coated. Add the Parmesan in batches, stirring to incorporate and letting it melt before more is added. Stir in the basil.
  • Plate the pasta and top with more Parmesan and basil. Serve immediately.

ORECCHIETTE WITH FRESH TOMATOES AND SAUSAGE



Orecchiette With Fresh Tomatoes and Sausage image

The extra effort of using fresh tomatoes is so worth it...a fresh, sweet taste that you just can't get out of the can.

Provided by ClickandCookRecipes

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

36 ounces cherry tomatoes, on the vine, cut in half
1 (16 ounce) package Italian chicken sausage (use 3-5 links to your taste, I use 3)
4 ounces pancetta, pre-chopped
1 small onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine
1 (8 ounce) package cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
1 cup Baby Spinach, chopped
salt
1 (16 ounce) package orecchiette (or small shells if you can't find Orecchiette)
parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and oil. Once the butter is melted, add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is starting to get soft.
  • Turn the temp up to medium high and add the pancetta, cook until crispy. Remove the casings from the sausage then add to skillet and brown. Pour in the wine and scrape up those delicious browned bits.
  • Toss in the mushrooms and stirring occasionally, cook till they are slightly softened.
  • Add the tomatoes (any extra juices too), basil and oregano, and salt to taste, and stir to combine. Turn heat to low, cover and simmer for one to two hours, stirring occasionally.
  • While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta (make sure you have good salty water) until just al-dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water (DO NOT RINSE).
  • Back to the skillet -- add the spinach and cook till it begins to wilt. Then toss in the pasta and stir to combine everything -- stir frequently until everything is heated through. (add some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick)
  • Spoon into bowls and top with fresh Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 592.9, Fat 11.5, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 15.3, Sodium 31.9, Carbohydrate 101.1, Fiber 7.8, Sugar 11.7, Protein 19.3

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes. This will give your dish the best flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to add a little spice. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can really liven up the dish.
  • Cook the sausage until it's browned and crispy. This will give it a nice texture and flavor.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook until they're softened. You want them to be cooked through, but not mushy.
  • Stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Conclusion:

This orecchiette with fresh tomatoes and sausage is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's packed with flavor and hearty ingredients. Served with a side salad or crusty bread, it's a satisfying and delicious dinner that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a simple but flavorful pasta dish, give this recipe a try.

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