One pan orecchiette pasta with fresh vegetables and herbs

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta is a delightful dish that combines high flavor with ease of preparation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can create a comforting meal without a lot of cleanup at the end. With spicy Italian sausage and fresh arugula, this pasta offers a delicious taste that satisfies. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, which saves both time and effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, home-cooked meal.

how to make One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
0.5 onion, diced
salt to taste
8 ounces spicy Italian sausages, casings removed
3.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided, or as needed
1.25 cups orecchiette pasta, or more to taste
0.5 cup roughly chopped arugula, or to taste
0.25 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste

Directions:

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion with a pinch of salt; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in sausage and cook until browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Pour 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth into the sausage mixture and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  4. Add orecchiette pasta; cook and stir the pasta in hot broth, adding remaining broth when the liquid is absorbed, until the pasta is cooked through and most of the broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  5. Stir arugula into the sausage-pasta mixture until the arugula wilts.
  6. Ladle pasta into bowls and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

how to serve One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

Serve One Pan Orecchiette Pasta hot, directly from the skillet. You can garnish with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or some freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread.

how to store One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to help revive its creamy texture.

tips to make One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

  • Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
  • Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

variation

You can easily modify this recipe by swapping the orecchiette with other pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or water instead. The dish will still be flavorful!

3. Is it okay to freeze this pasta?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.