This Sausage & Cavolo Nero Orecchiette is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish, combining savory Italian sausage, tender cavolo nero (Tuscan kale), and a light, velvety sauce. The addition of Parmesan cheese and a splash of white wine creates a deliciously rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory & satisfying – The combination of sausage, greens, and pasta is both hearty and satisfying.
- Silky sauce – The pasta water and butter make for a beautifully smooth, creamy sauce without the heaviness.
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a fast yet flavorful meal.
- One-pan wonder – The dish is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with nutrients – Cavolo nero adds both flavor and a nutritional boost to this dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta:
- Orecchiette pasta
- Olive oil
- Italian sausage (casings removed)
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- White wine (or chicken broth)
- Cavolo nero (Tuscan kale), chopped
- Reserved pasta water
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the orecchiette pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Aromatics & Greens:
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cavolo nero to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, just until slightly wilted.
Deglaze & Simmer:
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
Combine & Finish:
- Toss the cooked orecchiette into the skillet, followed by the unsalted butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir well to coat the pasta in the silky sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a meat-free version.
- Extra greens: Add other greens like spinach or Swiss chard for a variation on the cavolo nero.
- More creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Cheese lovers: Add mozzarella or fontina cheese to the pasta for extra richness and melt.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers for up to 1 month in a sealed container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
What if I don’t have orecchiette?
You can substitute orecchiette with penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, as long as the pasta has ridges to hold the sauce.
Can I use kale instead of cavolo nero?
Yes! If cavolo nero isn’t available, regular kale works well, but you may need to cook it a bit longer to soften it.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orecchiette or your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure the sausage is gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the pasta and sausage ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for flavor without the spice.
Can I make this a one-pot dish?
Yes! You can cook the pasta directly in the skillet after sautéing the sausage and aromatics, adding water or broth to cook the pasta in the same pan.
How do I know when the cavolo nero is done?
Cavolo nero wilts quickly, so cook it for only 2-3 minutes to retain its texture and vibrant color.
Conclusion
This Sausage & Cavolo Nero Orecchiette is a hearty and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of savory sausage, tender greens, and a light, velvety sauce. With minimal ingredients and quick steps, this recipe brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this pasta dish is sure to hit the spot.
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Sausage & Cavolo Nero Orecchiette
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A rich and flavorful orecchiette pasta dish with savory sausage, wilted cavolo nero, and a light, velvety sauce finished with Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 bunch cavolo nero (Tuscan kale), chopped
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
Sauté Aromatics & Greens:
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cavolo nero and cook for 2 minutes until slightly wilted.
Deglaze & Simmer:
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Let it reduce for 2 minutes, then add reserved pasta water.
Combine & Finish:
- Toss in orecchiette, butter, and Parmesan. Stir well until coated in a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a bit more butter.
- You can substitute cavolo nero with regular kale or spinach if needed.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Italian, Comfort Food
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
