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Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

A comforting Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach recipe that combines savory sausage, vibrant spinach, and white wine sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Orecchiette Pasta Feel free to use any small pasta shape if desired.
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Always opt for fresh minced garlic for best results.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard works well for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if avoiding alcohol.
For the Greens
  • 6 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Other leafy greens like Swiss chard or kale can be swapped in.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Basil Optional; use dried basil if fresh isn't available.
For Finishing Touches
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a non-dairy alternative.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the orecchiette according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and chopped onion; cook for 8-10 minutes until browned.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up the bits from the bottom, and simmer for 1-2 minutes or until reduced by half.
  5. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Gently add the drained orecchiette to the skillet, tossing everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Add a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

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