Introduction
Orecchiette pasta, a delightful ear-shaped Italian specialty, pairs beautifully with savory Italian pork sausages in this creamy dish. Enhanced by the richness of cream and complemented by fresh kale, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Cooked with a touch of white wine and seasoned with Italian herbs, each bite brings warmth and comfort.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
400g / 14oz orecchiette pasta (or other pasta)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
500g / 1lb Italian pork sausages, meat squeezed out of their casings
1/4 cup white wine, anything not too sweet (sub water)
1 cup tomato passata (called “tomato puree” in the US)
3/4 cup cream, heavy/thickened
3/4 cup milk (any fat %)
1/3 cup parmesan, finely grated
1 tsp Italian herbs
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (chilli flakes)
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
3 cups (packed) kale leaves, torn into bite-size pieces (or baby spinach, swiss chard, Tuscan kale, etc.)
Parmesan, for serving
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This combination of ingredients creates a rich and satisfying dish ideal for any mealtime. The careful selection of quality sausage and fresh vegetables ensures a meal bursting with flavor, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Enjoy your cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the packet directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a very large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Sausage
Add the sausage meat to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 4 minutes until the sausage is browned and has some golden bits.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in 1/4 cup of white wine. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove the golden bits and let it cook until the wine evaporates, indicated by the disappearance of the winey smell.
Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the tomato passata, cream, milk, grated Parmesan, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Toss in Pasta and Kale
Add the cooked pasta and torn kale leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1 minute to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Note 1: Sausage Selection
Choose high-quality sausages that contain visible chunks of meat and fat. Avoid inexpensive sausages that are a uniform pink color, as they likely contain fillers and are not suitable for this recipe. If using link sausages, easily squeeze the meat from the casings.
Note 2: Tomato Passata
Tomato passata is pureed, strained tomatoes, sometimes labeled as tomato puree in the US. If unavailable, substitute with crushed canned tomatoes and simmer them rapidly for 5 minutes to reduce.
Note 3: Italian Herbs
You can use a store-bought Italian herb mix or make your own by combining equal parts of thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, and a pinch of rosemary.
Note 4: Using Pasta Cooking Water
The starch in the reserved pasta cooking water helps thicken the sauce when combined with the pasta. Always use this water to adjust thickness instead of plain water.
Note 5: Nutrition Considerations
This recipe is delicious but might not be low in calories. To reduce calories, consider using light cream or half-and-half instead of full-fat cream, while still maintaining a thick sauce with the tomato.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute to ensure the pasta remains al dente. Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
Searing Sausage
Use high heat in a very large skillet to sear the sausage meat once it has been removed from its casings. Break up the meat as it cooks until it develops little golden bits for added flavor.
Deglazing with Wine
After cooking the sausage, add white wine to the skillet. Scrape the bottom to lift the flavorful brown bits, allowing the wine to reduce until its aroma dissipates.
Simmering for Flavor
Combine remaining ingredients (except for the kale) in the skillet and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and lower the heat to allow the flavors to meld together gently for a couple of minutes.
Tossing with Pasta and Greens
Add the cooked pasta and kale to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly for about a minute so the pasta is well-coated in sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, incorporate reserved pasta cooking water as needed.
FAQ
What type of pasta can I use?
While orecchiette is specified, you can substitute it with any pasta of your choice.
Can I use water instead of wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with water.
What if I can’t find tomato passata?
If tomato passata is unavailable, you can use crushed canned tomatoes and simmer them to reduce the moisture content.
What can I substitute for the cream?
For a lighter option, you can use light cream or half and half. The sauce will remain thick due to the tomatoes.
How do I know when the sausage is done?
The sausage should be cooked until it is no longer pink and has golden-brown bits, indicating good caramelization for flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy orecchiette pasta with Italian pork sausages and kale is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and textures. The dish is not only satisfying but also a great way to incorporate greens into your meal. Each bite is packed with savory goodness, making it a perfect choice for a hearty dinner.
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