Sausage Spinach Orecchiette: A Delicious and Easy Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: The name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly divine, that it could inspire a proposal! And trust me, this creamy, dreamy pasta lives up to the hype. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this is a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes, perfect for a romantic dinner or a satisfying weeknight treat.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me” pasta are shrouded in delicious mystery, the sentiment behind it is clear: it’s a dish designed to impress. Some say it originated in the culinary world of social media, quickly gaining viral fame for its simplicity and incredible flavor. Others believe it’s a modern take on classic Italian cream sauces, elevated with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the succulent bite of perfectly cooked shrimp.

But what makes this pasta so beloved? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures, of course! The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes, clings beautifully to the pasta. The juicy shrimp provide a delightful protein boost, while a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory finish. People adore Marry Me Shrimp Pasta because it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something truly special, without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. So, are you ready to experience the magic? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Spinach

1. First, let’s get the sausage ready. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble it well so you don’t have big chunks.
2. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet – this will add tons of flavor to the rest of the dish!
3. Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. You want them nice and soft, almost sweet.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. If you’re using white wine, now’s the time to add it! Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds a lot of flavor. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, until it’s reduced by about half. This will concentrate the flavor and cook off the alcohol.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
7. While the sauce is simmering, make sure your spinach is properly squeezed dry. This is really important, otherwise your sauce will be watery. Add the squeezed spinach to the skillet and stir it into the sauce.
8. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and spinach. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, the sausage is already seasoned, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.

Cooking the Orecchiette Pasta

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the orecchiette pasta according to package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
2. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm but not crunchy. Orecchiette can take a little longer to cook than other pasta shapes, so keep an eye on it.
3. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and spinach sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The cream will add richness and creaminess to the sauce.
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce. The Parmesan cheese will add a salty, savory flavor and help to thicken the sauce.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to loosen the sauce and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
5. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Serving

1. Serve the sausage and spinach orecchiette immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
2. This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
• Use different greens: If you don’t have spinach, you can use other greens such as kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to remove any tough stems before adding them to the sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables to make this dish vegetarian. You could also add some white beans or chickpeas for protein.
• Add cheese: In addition to Parmesan cheese, you could also add other cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, or Pecorino Romano.
• Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before adding the pasta.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for sausage and spinach orecchiette! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Sausage Spinach Orecchiette isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the savory depth of the sausage to the vibrant freshness of the spinach, all perfectly nestled within those delightful little “ears” of orecchiette pasta, every bite is a celebration. The simple yet elegant sauce ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t raved about it!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the sausage. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a similar depth of flavor. You could also swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard, depending on what you have on hand. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors even more.

Serving suggestions are endless! I love serving this Sausage Spinach Orecchiette with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil elevates the dish to another level. For a more substantial meal, you could add some grilled chicken or shrimp. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day.

Don’t be intimidated by the name – this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. I’ve tried to make the instructions as clear and concise as possible, so even beginner cooks can achieve amazing results. And trust me, the effort is well worth it! The satisfaction of creating a delicious and satisfying meal from scratch is truly rewarding.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Sausage Spinach Orecchiette as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m always excited to share it with friends and family. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors? Did your family enjoy it? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I hope this Sausage Spinach Orecchiette becomes a new favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.