Welcome to our culinary corner, where we explore the delightful world of pasta! Today, we are diving into the realm of orecchiette, a small ear-shaped pasta that hails from the beautiful region of Puglia, Italy.
With its unique shape, orecchiette captures sauce in its nooks and crannies, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors in every bite. In this blog post, we will unveil the best orecchiette recipes that will leave you craving for more. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a delicious journey of pasta perfection!
1. Homemade Orecchiette with Semolina
Homemade Orecchiette with Semolina is a delightful pasta recipe that is both easy to make and visually appealing. Made with just semolina flour and water, this homemade version of the popular Italian pasta is a great alternative to store-bought options.
The unique shape of the orecchiette, resembling little ears, makes it perfect for pairing with chunky sauces or vegetables. Overall, this recipe offers simplicity and beauty in creating a delicious homemade pasta dish.
2. Tomato Corn Orecchiette
Tomato Corn Orecchiette is a simple and flavorful pasta dish that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and corn with the freshness of basil pesto.
The orecchiette pasta acts as a perfect scoop for the ingredients, creating a delightful combination of flavors in every bite. Topped with shaved Parmesan and a touch of lemon, this nut-free recipe is a quick and delicious option for a vegetarian summer dinner.
3. Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. The combination of bitter broccoli rabe, caramelized onions, and savory sun-dried tomatoes creates a bold and flavorful meal. The addition of plant-based Italian sausage adds a meaty texture and rich flavor.
Tossed with orecchiette pasta, garlic, white wine, and pine nuts, this dish is a fantastic showcase of the vibrant and nourishing broccoli rabe. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a salad, this orecchiette recipe is a satisfying dinner option.
4. Orecchiette with Pea Pesto Sauce
Orecchiette with Pea Pesto Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish. The orecchiette pasta, shaped like little ears, holds the thick and chunky sauce perfectly. The pesto, made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and nuts, is enhanced with the addition of sweet peas.
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of lemon zest and asparagus for a bright and spring-like flavor. The secret to the perfect consistency of the sauce is saving some pasta water, which adds starch and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. Overall, this recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful pasta dish in under an hour.
5. Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli is a delicious and easy weeknight pasta dish. The combination of Italian chicken sausage, orecchiette pasta, and fresh broccoli creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The pesto-like broccoli sauce adds a unique twist to the dish, making it a crowd pleaser. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a quick and tasty meal option.
6. Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Bell Peppers
Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Bell Peppers is a simple and flavorful Italian dish. The combination of mild Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and fresh spinach creates a hearty and satisfying meal.
The creamy sauce, without heavy cream or tomato sauce, is naturally thickened by the starchiness of the pasta water, butter, and parmesan cheese. This recipe captures the essence of Italian home cooking – delicious and comforting.
7. Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Sauce
Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian comfort food. The dish features orecchiette pasta, which resembles little ears, paired with a simple broccoli sauce. The sauce is made by sautéing shallots and garlic before adding partially cooked broccoli.
The result is a flavorful and family-friendly meal that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Whether using broccoli florets, broccoli rabe, or broccolini, this budget-friendly pasta dish is sure to be a hit.
8. Broccoli Rabe Pasta
The Broccoli Rabe Pasta recipe is a classic Italian dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The orecchiette pasta pairs perfectly with the tender broccoli rabe, creating a harmonious combination of textures and flavors.
The addition of garlic, anchovies, and chili flakes adds a subtle kick, while the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses provide a deliciously cheesy finish. This recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a traditional Italian dish with a twist.
9. Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage
The Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage is an easy and delicious dish that combines the flavors of Italian sausage, kale, and a light cream sauce. Topped with a buttery, crispy breadcrumb topping, this 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
The orecchiette pasta holds the sauce and sausage perfectly, creating a mouthful of delightful flavors. A one-pan recipe that delivers on taste and simplicity.
10. Orecchiette alla Barese
Orecchiette alla Barese is a traditional Southern Italian pasta dish that combines orecchiette pasta with sausage, bitter greens, and crunchy breadcrumbs. The use of wild rapini adds a unique and slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
The absence of cheese allows the flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Overall, Orecchiette alla Barese is a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that is worth trying.
11. Orecchiette Pasta with Tomatoes
Orecchiette Pasta with Tomatoes is a delicious and underrated pasta dish. The orecchiette pasta shape allows for perfect integration of the cherry tomatoes, ensuring that you get a burst of flavor in every bite.
The blistered tomatoes add a delightful charred taste, while the Parmesan cheese and basil provide a savory and fresh finish. This recipe is a great option for a vegetarian main dish or a side dish for chicken or fish. Overall, Orecchiette Pasta with Tomatoes is a simple and flavorful meal that is definitely worth trying.
12. Orecchiette with Creamy Carrot Miso Sauce
Orecchiette with Creamy Carrot Miso Sauce is a delicious vegan dish that offers a satisfyingly creamy texture and a depth of umami flavor from the miso. Topped with a bright and tangy Carrot-Top Gremolata and toasted bread crumbs for added texture, this recipe is both flavorful and healthy.
The creamy carrot sauce is made by simmering carrots and cashews, then blending them into a silky smooth sauce. The orecchiette pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for the sauce, creating a delightful combination. Overall, this recipe is a great option for those looking for a tasty and nutrient-rich orecchiette dish.
13. Broccoli Pasta with Orecchiette
Broccoli Pasta with Orecchiette is a simple and delicious vegetarian recipe that originates from Tuscany, Italy. The dish features orecchiette pasta, which cradles a luscious and creamy broccoli sauce. The recipe includes fresh broccoli florets, shallots, garlic, chili flakes, and anchovy paste for added flavor.
The sauce is made by simmering the broccoli until it breaks down into a thick and flavorful consistency. The dish is finished with grated pecorino cheese and can be garnished with truffle oil, fresh basil, pine nuts, breadcrumbs, or olives. Overall, this recipe is a nutritious and flavorful way to enjoy orecchiette pasta with the goodness of broccoli.
14. Orecchiette Pasta Salad
The Orecchiette Pasta Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. Packed with bacon, corn, and red bell pepper, it is tossed in a creamy basil pesto and Ranch dressing.
The orecchiette pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite delicious. Optional to add grilled or rotisserie chicken for added protein. Serve this salad alongside grilled burgers or as a side dish at potlucks for a crowd-pleasing meal.
15. Orecchiette
Orecchiette with Garlicky Kale and Breadcrumbs is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that can be made vegetarian or vegan. The orecchiette pasta cups hold the capers and breadcrumbs, adding a delightful texture.
The dish is easy to make and can be prepared with gluten-free pasta as well. It's a satisfying and delicious option for pasta lovers looking to incorporate greens into their meal.
16. Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Kale
Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Kale is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of savory turkey sausage, nutrient-packed kale, and lemony breadcrumbs creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
It's a great way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
17. Creamy Spinach Orecchiette
Creamy Spinach Orecchiette is a quick and easy vegetarian pasta dish that is perfect for a light lunch. The combination of tender orecchiette pasta, sautéed onions and garlic, and young spinach leaves creates a creamy and flavorful dish.
The addition of cooking cream and grated Parmigiano cheese adds richness and depth to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of spring in a satisfying pasta dish.
18. One Pan Lemony Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccolini
The One Pan Lemony Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccolini is a simple and quick pasta dish that combines orecchiette pasta, turkey sausage, blistered tomatoes, and tender broccolini in a light and brothy, lemon parmesan sauce.
The flavors are well-balanced, with the lemon adding a refreshing tanginess to the dish. The sausage adds a savory element, while the broccolini provides a nice crunch. Overall, it's a delicious and satisfying recipe that can be prepared in under an hour.
19. Brown Butter Mushroom Orecchiette
Brown Butter Mushroom Orecchiette is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual dinner parties. The dish features caramelized shallots and sautéed hen of the woods and oyster mushrooms, tossed with kale, lemon zest, and white wine.
The brown butter wine sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor to the orecchiette, making it a truly satisfying meal. Topped with Asiago crumbles, this dish is a must-try for mushroom lovers.
20. Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Orecchiette
Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Orecchiette is a delicious and easy pasta dish that combines spicy Italian sausage, broccoli, and creamy sauce. The orecchiette pasta, with its unique shape, is perfect for holding the flavorful sauce.
The addition of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick to the dish. Overall, this recipe is quick to make and delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal.
