Orecchiette Sausage Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

400g / 14oz orecchiette pasta (or other pasta)

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves , minced

500g / 1lb Italian pork sausages , meat squeezed out of their casings (see video, Note 1)

1/4 cup white wine , anything not too sweet (sub water)

1 cup tomato passata (called “tomato puree” in US, Note 2)

3/4 cup cream , heavy/thickened

3/4 cup milk (any fat %)

1/3 cup parmesan , finely grated

1 tsp Italian herbs (Note 3)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (chilli flakes)

1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

3 cups (packed) kale leaves , torn into bite size pieces (or baby spinach, swiss chard, Tuscan kale etc)

Parmesan , for serving

Instructions

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of water to the boil and cook pasta according to packet directions MINUS 1 minute.

Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside.

Step 1:

Heat oil in a very large skillet over high heat.

Add garlic and cook for 15 seconds.

Step 1:

Add sausage meat and cook, breaking it up as you go, until there are some little golden bits – about 4 minutes.

Step 1:

Add wine and cook, scraping the bottom of the skillet to remove the golden bits, and allow wine to evaporate – the winey smell will disappear.

Step 1:

Add remaining ingredients except kale.

Stir well, bring to simmer then turn stove down to low and simmer gently for 2 minutes to bring all the flavours together.

Step 1:

Add pasta and kale.

Toss well for 1 minute to coat pasta well with the sauce – it will thicken.

If the sauce gets too thick, use the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up

Step 1:

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated parmesan

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 600 calories | Protein: 25 grams | Carbohydrates: 60 grams | Fat: 30 grams | Fiber: 5 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand.

Orecchiette works well with this dish, but other shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti can also be used.

What can I substitute for white wine if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth, or simply use water.

The wine adds flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, cook the pasta and kale, then reheat the sauce and combine everything together.

Is it necessary to use both cream and milk in the sauce?

Using both cream and milk creates a creamy and rich texture in the sauce.

However, if you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit the cream and use more milk instead, or vice versa.

Can I use different greens instead of kale?

Yes, you can substitute kale with other greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly as some greens may cook faster than others.

Is it essential to use Italian pork sausages, or can I use other types of sausage?

While Italian pork sausages are traditional and provide authentic flavor, you can use other types of sausage such as chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.

Can I omit the white wine from the recipe?

Yes, if you prefer not to use alcohol or don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth, or simply use water.

What can I substitute for tomato passata if I can’t find it?

If you can’t find tomato passata, you can substitute it with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.

Just adjust the seasoning to taste as tomato passata is typically smoother and less concentrated than tomato sauce.

Can I use low-fat or non-fat milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat milk if you prefer.

However, keep in mind that using heavy cream and full-fat milk will result in a richer and creamier sauce.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish if I’m sensitive to red pepper flakes?

You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.

Alternatively, you can add a pinch of paprika for a subtle smoky flavor without the heat.

How do I store leftovers of this pasta dish?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of white wine.

You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

What are some optional toppings or garnishes for this pasta dish?

In addition to freshly grated Parmesan cheese, you can garnish the pasta with chopped fresh herbs such as basil or parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.