Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach Recipe

Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach brings colorful vibrance and comfort to your table in every forkful. This pasta dish revolves around delightfully chewy “little ear” orecchiette, juicy Italian sausage, sweet red peppers, and tender spinach woven together in the creamiest, most satisfying sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into an Italian-style celebration, with bold flavors and heavenly textures for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to impress friends, Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach is your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach is how just a few well-chosen ingredients work together to make something unforgettable. Each component is easy to find but absolutely essential to the flavor, texture, and color of this pasta. Let’s take a look at what makes this dish shine!

• Orecchiette Pasta: These cheerful “little ears” scoop up sauce and sausage, making each bite full of flavor.
• Bulk Italian Sausage: For hearty, robust meatiness with a hint of spice; sweet or hot sausage both work here.
• Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the sautéed base of the sauce.
• Red Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful, they add a wonderful crunch and gorgeous pop of red.
• Garlic: Just three cloves transform the sauce with beautiful fragrance and flavor.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts perfectly into the pasta, adding color, freshness, and a nutritional boost.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms the simple pan sauce into something luscious and comforting.
• Starchy Pasta Cooking Water: Reserved from boiling the pasta, this liquid is key for getting a silky, clinging sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness, richness, and a touch of elegance when folded in at the end.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, rosemary, thyme, basil, or sage lift the whole dish with a burst of green flavor.

How to Make Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Orecchiette

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook until al dente—taste a piece at around 9 minutes, but don’t be surprised if it takes closer to 13 depending on the brand. Before draining, scoop out about 2 cups of the starchy cooking water to use for the sauce (a ladle or a heatproof cup works perfectly). This step is small but mighty, as the pasta water is your secret for a super silky sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage, Onion, and Peppers

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the bulk Italian sausage and start browning, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. As it sizzles, add your chopped onion and sliced red bell peppers right into the pan. Let everything cook together for 15 to 20 minutes until the sausage is deeply caramelized and the veggies are soft and glistening. Take your time here; that hearty, crispy golden edge is where tons of flavor comes from!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spinach

Once the sausage and veggies are ready, add your minced garlic and toss in the fresh baby spinach. Just stir for a minute, until everything smells amazing and the spinach starts to wilt. This adds a boost of freshness and irresistible aroma that sets up the rest of the sauce.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream along with 1 cup of your reserved pasta water. Lower the heat a little and let the whole mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently so the sauce comes together smoothly and the spinach softens right into it. Feel free to add more pasta water if you like your sauce a little looser—it’s all about your preferred texture!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Tip in the drained orecchiette, shower over the shredded Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle with your favorite fresh herbs. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure each little pasta “ear” scoops up all that sausage, pepper, and creamy goodness. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed, then serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

How to Serve Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach

Garnishes

Top your Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach with a generous cloud of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of bright chopped herbs. Try a dusting of lemon zest for a fresh pop, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving to amplify the flavors.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect side to balance this hearty pasta. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are delicious for soaking up leftover sauce. For extra veggies, try roasted asparagus or garlicky green beans alongside your Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this dish family-style in a big pasta bowl lets everyone dig in together, Italian-trattoria style. Or, for a special touch, plate individual portions and top each with a shaving of Parmesan and a few fresh herb leaves. A sprinkle of chili flakes or a swirl of extra cream can add a little extra flair if you want to impress your dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch just as crave-worthy as dinner!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze some for later, let the pasta cool completely and pack it in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in single portions so you can grab just what you need.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently. You can also microwave individual servings with a little extra liquid, stirring halfway through, just until heated through. This keeps the sauce lively and prevents the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

What type of sausage should I use for Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach?

Italian sausage is the star here, and you can use either sweet or hot depending on your family’s preferences. Pork is traditional, but feel free to try chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter twist. Just make sure it’s in bulk or casing removed so you get those lovely caramelized bits.

Can I substitute a different pasta for orecchiette?

Absolutely! While orecchiette is perfect for catching the sauce, other short pastas like shells, cavatappi, or penne work well too. The key is to use a pasta shape with pockets or curves, so every bite is loaded with sausage and sauce.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from becoming too thick or dry?

Adjusting with the reserved pasta water is the secret weapon. If your sauce thickens up while simmering or reheating, just stir in an extra splash to revive that silky consistency. Cream sauces thicken as they stand, so don’t hesitate to loosen it up as needed.

Can I add more vegetables to Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach?

Absolutely! This dish is very flexible. Try tossing in cherry tomatoes when you add the spinach, or stir in peas, zucchini, or broccoli florets for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to sauté any firm veggies long enough to get them nice and tender.

Is it possible to make Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach ahead of time?

You sure can. You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and cook the pasta fresh, then combine and finish the dish right before serving. If reheating the whole dish, just remember to add a little splash of water or cream and warm gently to keep things creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that feels like a cozy Italian hug but takes less than half an hour, Sausage Orecchiette with Peppers and Spinach is bound to steal your heart (and plenty of recipe requests!). Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how satisfying and delicious this simple, colorful pasta night can be.

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