Description
Tender orecchiette pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for a bright finish. This comforting yet fresh dish comes together in just 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
8 ounces uncooked orecchiette pasta
16 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed if applicable)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 cups packed fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 tablespoon of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and chopped onion, breaking the sausage apart as it cooks. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until browned. Spoon out excess fat if needed, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Add the spinach and basil, tossing gently until the spinach wilts.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage.
Turkey sausage can be substituted for a lighter option.
Add sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
