10+ Oriecchete Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Orecchiette is a delightful type of pasta known for its unique shape that resembles small ears. This pasta is perfect for catching sauces, making it a great choice for a variety of dishes.

Exploring orecchiette recipes is a wonderful way to enjoy this versatile pasta in delicious and creative ways.

Whether you prefer hearty sauces or light, fresh ingredients, there is an orecchiette recipe to suit your taste. From comforting classics to innovative dishes, you can easily prepare meals that will impress your family and friends.

1) Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Sausage and Arugula

This dish brings together the unique shape of orecchiette pasta with the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage and fresh arugula. It’s a simple recipe that you can prepare in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.

Start by browning the sausage in a skillet until it’s nicely cooked. Then, add the orecchiette pasta and some water, allowing it to cook together. The pasta will soak up the savory flavors of the sausage.

Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the arugula and let it wilt. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the orecchiette and water to the skillet.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
4. Stir in the arugula until wilted.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

2) Three Greens Orecchiette with Homemade Pesto

This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy Orecchiette pasta with fresh greens. You’ll combine sweet peas, broccoli rabe, and green onions to create a tasty dish. The homemade basil pesto adds a flavorful touch that brings everything together.

You’ll need to prepare your homemade pesto first. Blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and nuts until smooth. This will be the key flavor in your pasta.

Cook your Orecchiette according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, sauté your greens lightly in olive oil. Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the sautéed greens and homemade pesto.

Ingredients

• 12 oz Orecchiette pasta
• 1 cup sweet peas
• 1 cup broccoli rabe, chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook Orecchiette pasta in salted water until al dente.
2. In a blender, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and nuts. Blend until smooth.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the broccoli rabe and green onions for 3-4 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the sautéed greens.
5. Stir in the homemade pesto until well combined.
6. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!

3) Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Garlic

Orecchiette with broccoli rabe and garlic is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare. The combination of tender pasta and flavorful greens creates a fantastic meal.

Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta until it’s al dente. In the meantime, sauté sliced garlic in olive oil until golden. Add washed and chopped broccoli rabe to the pan and cook until it’s bright green and tender.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the garlic and broccoli rabe. You can season it with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) dry orecchiette pasta
• 1½ bunches broccoli rabe, washed and chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orecchiette pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in chopped broccoli rabe and cook until bright green and tender.
5. Drain pasta and add to the skillet. Mix well.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

4) Creamy Orecchiette with Sausage and Caramelized Onion

This creamy orecchiette dish is perfect for a cozy night in. You will love how the caramelized onions blend with savory sausage. It truly brings rich flavors to life.

Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, cook the sausage until browned. Then add the caramelized onions for a sweet touch.

Next, combine the pasta with the sausage and onions. Pour in your favorite creamy sauce, stirring until everything is well coated. Serve it warm for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 large onions, caramelized
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orecchiette in salted water according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
3. Stir in the caramelized onions and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder.
5. Mix the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and top with parmesan cheese, if desired.

5) Orecchiette with Eggplant, Zucchini, and Roasted Red Peppers

This dish is a tasty way to enjoy pasta with fresh vegetables. The combination of orecchiette, eggplant, zucchini, and roasted red peppers gives you a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. The pasta soaks up the veggies’ tastes, making each bite delicious.

To start, chop your eggplant and zucchini into small pieces. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. You’ll love how the roasted red peppers add a hint of smokiness to the dish.

This recipe is not only simple but also perfect for a healthy meal. It’s vegetarian-friendly and full of nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound DeLallo Orecchiette Pasta
• 2 tablespoons DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 baby eggplant, chopped
• 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
• 1 jar roasted red peppers, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss eggplant, zucchini, and olive oil with salt and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Cook the orecchiette according to package instructions.
5. Mix the roasted veggies with the pasta and add chopped red peppers.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

6) Brothy Chickpea Orecchiette

Brothy Chickpea Orecchiette is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. The chickpeas add protein, while the pasta soaks up the delicious broth. You will enjoy this meal for its simplicity and taste.

To make this dish, you’ll start by cooking the orecchiette in a flavorful broth. Adding chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices creates a rich flavor that makes each bite enjoyable. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

• 6 oz orecchiette pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the orecchiette and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
4. Add chickpeas and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

7) Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Sauce

Orecchiette pasta with broccoli sauce is a tasty and simple dish. This recipe highlights the flavor of fresh broccoli combined with tender pasta.

To start, cook the orecchiette in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare your broccoli. You can steam or sauté it until it’s bright green and tender.

Next, blend the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and a bit of lemon juice to create a smooth sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with this creamy sauce, adding some grated cheese if you like.

Enjoy your delicious meal topped with extra broccoli pieces for color and taste. This dish is not only easy but also great for any night of the week!

Ingredients

• 12 oz orecchiette pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook the orecchiette for about 10-12 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, steam or sauté the broccoli until tender.
3. Blend broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the broccoli sauce.
5. Add salt, pepper, and cheese if desired. Serve warm.

8) Orecchiette with Ricotta and Peas

Orecchiette with ricotta and peas is a delightful dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner. The creamy ricotta pairs wonderfully with the sweet peas to create a fresh and flavorful sauce.

Start by cooking the orecchiette until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, you will prepare the peas and cheese mixture in a separate pan. Mixing these ingredients together creates a rich sauce that clings to the pasta.

Serve this dish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra zing. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal you will enjoy making and sharing.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. orecchiette pasta
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orecchiette according to package directions until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and add peas.
3. Cook peas until tender, then add ricotta.
4. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine with the drained pasta.
6. Serve with lemon zest on top.

9) Orecchiette with Sausage and Kale in Light Cream Sauce

This dish is a delightful mix of flavors. You’ll enjoy the chewy orecchiette pasta paired with savory sausage and fresh kale. The light cream sauce adds a rich touch without being too heavy.

To make this recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet satisfying. The buttery topping brings a nice crunch, making each bite delicious.

Preparation is easy, and you can have this meal ready in about 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your family or friends with this tasty dish!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the kale and cook until wilted.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
6. Combine the sausage mixture with the pasta.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with grated Parmesan on top.

10) Orecchiette with Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic

Orecchiette with roasted cauliflower and garlic is a delicious and simple dish. The orecchiette pasta has a unique shape that holds sauce well. Roasting the cauliflower enhances its flavor, making this meal hearty and satisfying.

To start, you will toss roasted cauliflower with garlic and a light butter sauce. This creates an aromatic and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Adding red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick, while fresh herbs can add brightness.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower with 3 tablespoons olive oil and salt. Then, spread it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes until it turns golden brown.
4. Cook orecchiette according to package instructions.
5. In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Then, add garlic.
6. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, which takes about 1 minute.
7. Combine the pasta and roasted cauliflower in the skillet.
8. Toss to combine and add red pepper flakes if desired.
9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.