Greek Orecchiette Pasta w/sausage
GREEK ORRECCIETE PASTA
Serves 4
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
2 Greek Loukaniko or Italian sausage links, casing removed
1 cup chopped yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp. dried Greek or Italian seasoning
Pinch of chili pepper flakes, desired heat
Kosher salt and pepper
12 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
10 oz. orecchiette pasta
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped Tuscan Kale
2 TBSP finely chopped kalamata olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Heat a large sauté pan to medium heat. Add the olive oil and sausage and brown. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, seasoning, chili pepper flakes and kosher salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until soft. Break up the tomatoes a little with the back of a spoon. Set aside.
Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook until al-dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water. Remove and drain. Stir in the kale and olives to the tomato sauce and mix well. Add the orecchiette to the sauce and mix well. Add the parmesan cheese and mix. Season with kosher salt and pepper if needed. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed and mix. Put the pasta in a large serving bowl and top with feta cheese. Serve warm.#pasta recipe #sausage #orecchiette #easyrecipe #marymodarizona
Greek-inspired dishes often combine fresh ingredients with robust flavors, making them a delight to prepare and enjoy at home. This orecchiette pasta recipe featuring Greek Loukaniko sausage truly embodies that. Loukaniko sausage is a traditional Greek sausage known for its unique blend of spices, typically including orange zest, which adds a citrusy brightness that complements the savory meatiness. Using orecchiette pasta provides a wonderful texture, as the little ear-shaped pasta holds sauce beautifully, allowing every bite to be flavorful. Incorporating Tuscan kale adds a nutritious twist, bringing a slightly bitter green balance that contrasts nicely with the sweet cherry tomatoes simmered into the sauce. Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese provide authentic Mediterranean touches with their salty, tangy profiles. When I prepare this dish, I like to brown the sausage thoroughly to develop rich flavors before sautéing the garlic and onion. The chili pepper flakes add just the right hint of heat without overwhelming the palate. Reserving pasta water and adding it to the sauce helps adjust the consistency, ensuring the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta. This recipe is not only straightforward but also flexible. For example, if Greek Loukaniko is unavailable, Italian sausage works well as a substitute. You can also customize the amount of chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance. Serving it warm with a final sprinkle of feta makes for a comforting and hearty meal. Overall, this Greek orecchiette pasta meal brings together vibrant ingredients and textures in a way that’s both authentic and accessible for home cooks looking to explore Mediterranean flavors.
