Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Look no further! This Orecchiette with Sausage and Chard recipe is a game-changer. With its perfect balance of spicy Italian sausage, tender Swiss chard, and creamy Parmesan cheese, this dish will transport your taste buds to the Tuscan countryside. And the best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes! So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this recipe and discover a new favorite Italian dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 ounces of orecchiette pasta, 1 pound of Italian sausage (casings removed), 4 cups of chopped Swiss chard, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the chopped Swiss chard to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chard is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sausage and chard mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta with the sausage and chard, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help combine the ingredients and create a light sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Serve the orecchiette hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- To ensure a successful and stress-free cooking experience, follow these tips:* Make sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water, as it will help create a light and creamy sauce. * Don't overcook the Swiss chard, as it can quickly become mushy and lose its texture. * Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. * Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly, to prevent it from forming clumps. * Experiment with different types of cheese and spices to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
