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–+ servings

Rustic One-Pan Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Sausage

This rustic Italian-inspired dish brings together the perfect combination of textures and flavors in just one pan. The unique shape of orecchiette pasta catches the savory sauce created from the rendered sausage fat and pasta water, while fresh arugula adds a peppery brightness that balances the richness.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 662
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 8 ounces spicy Italian sausage casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (these contain tons of flavor!).
  4. Add the dry orecchiette pasta directly to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Once the pasta is tender, stir in the fresh arugula and allow it to wilt for about 1 minute.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 662kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 31gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 1360mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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