Savory Comfort Food at Its Finest: Spicy Italian Sausage Orecchiette
Indulge in the Rich Flavors of Italy
Imagine a dish that combines the warmth of spicy Italian sausage, the creaminess of brown butter, and the earthiness of fresh sage, all wrapped up in a comforting bowl of orecchiette pasta. This recipe, courtesy of LA chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, is sure to become your new go-to comfort food.
A Flavorful Twist on Classic Pasta
This easy-to-make recipe yields two servings in just 25-35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With only seven ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor you can achieve.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces Italian spicy sausage, casings removed
- Leaves from 2 sprigs fresh sage, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- Kosher salt for the pasta water, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the orecchiette and a generous pinch of salt, cooking until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Browning the Sausage
In a medium sauté pan, melt half of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, cooking until well browned and breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir in the sage and set aside.
Creating the Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the browned sausage, stirring to combine. Add the reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until a sauce begins to form. Add the remaining butter, pecorino cheese, and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sauce emulsifies into a creamy, cheesy goodness.
Serving and Enjoying
Divide the pasta evenly between two warmed plates, garnishing with the reserved pecorino cheese. Serve immediately and indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Italy.
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