Week night Orecchiette
Week night Orecchiette
This Orecchiette with Italian Sausage, Spinach, and Parmigiano is my go-to week night dinner.
On busy weeknights—especially after long days at the office—I need something quick, easy, and satisfying. This Orecchiette with Italian Sausage, Spinach, and Parmigiano is my go-to dinner. It’s so simple to make that I find myself cooking it at least once every other week. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers bold flavors and a cozy, comforting vibe that’s perfect for winding down.
Ingredients:
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ lb Italian sausage
2 cups chicken stock
½ lb orecchiette or pasta of choice
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano
Zest of 1 lemon
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra Parmigiano for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned.
Simmer the pasta: Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a simmer. Add the orecchiette, stir to combine, and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook in the stock, stirring occasionally, until tender. This takes about 10-12 minutes.
Make it creamy: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted.
Add the Parmigiano: Stir in the grated Parmigiano, lemon zest, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmigiano if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe:
This dish comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The pasta cooks right in the chicken stock, absorbing all that rich flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, savory sausage, and fresh spinach is unbeatable, and the hint of lemon zest adds the perfect brightness.
For those hectic weeknights when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is a lifesaver. Give it a try—it just might become a regular in your dinner rotation too!
Let me know if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear how it turns out.
xo,
mc
