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Why Creamy Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage Satisfies Cravings

Indulge in Why Creamy Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage Satisfies Cravings

Why Creamy Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage Satisfies Cravings is an indulgent comfort food that combines savory sausage and creamy sauce for a delicious experience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Easy Dinners
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces Orecchiette Pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta if desired.

For the Sauce

  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Choose your spice level or use plant-based sausage for a vegan option.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with butter.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can use half-and-half or cashew cream for lighter or dairy-free options.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; opt for vegan cheese if dairy-free.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

For the Garnish

  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley or Basil Chopped; optional but recommended.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove sausage, leaving fat in the pan.
  • Lower heat to medium-low, add minced garlic to skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper.
  • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained orecchiette and toss until well-coated with sauce. If too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately with a side salad or roasted veggies.

Notes

Cook orecchiette al dente and use high-quality sausage for best results. Adjust creaminess with reserved pasta water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword comfort food, Creamy Orecchiette Pasta, gluten-free, quick meal, Sausage, Vegan Option
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