Are you craving a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal that combines the perfect blend of hearty protein, tender pasta, and nutritious greens? Look no further! This Turkey Sausage and Spinach Orecchiette is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that promises to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that will leave everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the turkey sausage and crumble the sausage into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- After the garlic has cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet with the sausage and spinach mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta with the sausage and spinach, adding a splash 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. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure perfectly seasoned pasta from the inside out.
- Don't drain all the pasta water! The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that helps bind your ingredients together.
- Use fresh spinach for the brightest color and most vibrant flavor. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage for a subtle kick.
- Choose a high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the most intense flavor and smooth melting consistency.
- If you want to make this dish even healthier, opt for a lean turkey sausage and consider using whole wheat orecchiette pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
