There's nothing like the hearty, comforting flavor of Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach to make dinner feel special. Tender pasta cradles savory sausage and vibrant spinach in a garlicky olive oil sauce that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
I first discovered this recipe during a trip to Italy, where I fell in love with the rustic charm of orecchiette pasta. Its name, meaning "little ears," perfectly describes its unique shape, which is ideal for holding onto delicious sauces. Now, it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, hearty, and crowd-pleasing.
Why You'll Love This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach
Get ready to fall head over heels for this flavorful pasta dish. Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach combines ease, affordability, and versatility in one delicious package.
First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
This dish is also budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like pasta, olive oil, and garlic, alongside affordable ingredients like Italian sausage and spinach, means you can serve up a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Have some kale or arugula on hand? Swap them in for the spinach. Prefer chicken sausage over pork? That works too. It’s a fantastic way to get creative with what’s in your kitchen.
Finally, the flavors are irresistible. The combination of savory sausage, earthy greens, and the bright zing of garlic creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing an essential role in the dish’s flavor and texture.
Orecchiette pasta is the star of the show. Its cupped shape is perfect for catching bits of sausage and spinach, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. While you can substitute another short pasta like penne or shells, orecchiette really shines here.
Italian sausage adds richness and a kick of spice to the dish. I recommend using mild or hot sausage based on your preference. Be sure to remove the casings before cooking for easier crumbling.
Fresh spinach provides a tender, vibrant contrast to the savory sausage. Baby spinach works wonderfully, as it wilts quickly and evenly. If you prefer a heartier green, try chopping some kale or Swiss chard instead.
Garlic and red pepper flakes bring a punch of flavor. The garlic infuses the olive oil with a rich aroma, while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.
Finally, a drizzle of olive oil ties everything together. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results, as its flavor will shine in this simple dish.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta.
How To Make This Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach

Making this dish is as straightforward as it is rewarding. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining – you’ll use it to create the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a generous drizzle of olive oil, followed by minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Return the sausage to the skillet, along with the cooked orecchiette. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, drizzling with a bit more olive oil and sprinkling with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers, this dish stores well for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta before warming it in a skillet over medium heat. This helps restore the saucy texture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing is not recommended, as the spinach tends to become mushy, and the pasta may lose its firm texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Swap out the spinach for another green like kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
Experiment with different types of sausage. Chicken or turkey sausage works just as well, and plant-based sausage is a great option for a vegetarian twist.
Add some vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini would make lovely additions.
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving.
If you’re gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the orecchiette.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to suit your taste, this Orecchiette with Sausage and Spinach is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the magic of simple, flavorful cooking!
PrintOrecchiette With Sausage And Spinach Recipe
This Orecchiette with sausage and spinach recipe is a flavorful Italian dish combining tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh spinach for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup pasta water
Instructions
- Cook orecchiette in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Substitute kale or arugula for spinach if preferred.
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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