A one-pot Orecchiette pasta combined with a creamy, homemade fennel-spiced chicken sausage with wilted spinach and parmesan.
If you ever found yourself craving that classic "sausage and pasta" combo but don't eat pork, this recipe is for you. After testing the recipe, this is absolutely one of my favorite Italian pasta dishes.
It's my lighter, Mediterranean-inspired take that's made with ground chicken instead of store-bought sausage, fresh spinach (can also use kale), and a creamy sauce that clings to every curve of the orecchiette.
Let's Gather What You'll Need
You will need simple pantry staples, a few fresh ingredients, and 30 minutes is all it takes.
- Orecchiette pasta: tender little "ears" that hold the sauce perfectly
- Ground chicken: the lean, flavorful base for the protein
- Olive oil: for sauteing and building flavor
- Garlic & onion: aromatic staples for depth
- Spices: fennel seeds, smoked paprika & red pepper flakes (the classic sausage style spice combo)
- Chicken broth: adds moisture and ties the flavor together
- Fresh baby spinach: wilts beautifully into the sauce
- Cream cheese, ricotta, Greek Yogurt, or cream: your creamy base of choice
- Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: the salt, nutty finish
All you need for this recipe is half a package of orecchiette, which means you'll already be halfway to making my hearty Orecchiette Soup with tender vegetables and a tomato-parmesan broth. Highly recommend.
Can I Use Another Pasta Shape?
Yes! Short shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne all work. Just choose one that holds sauce well.
What's the Best Creamy Base to Use?
- Heavy cream: ultra-smooth and classic
- Ricotta: light and fresh
- Cream cheese, sour cream, or yogurt: rich and tangy
Before You Go...
If you make this Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Spinach, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
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Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Spinach
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This orecchiette with chicken sausage is a cozy, one-pan pasta dinner made with tender ground chicken, wilted spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sour cream, ricotta, or heavy cream (your choice)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken sausage.
- In a medium bowl, mix the ground chicken with fennel, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it browns and is cooked through, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted. Lower the heat and mix in your creamy base (cream cheese, ricotta, or cream, etc.)
- Stir in spinach until wilted. Lower the heat and mix in your creamy base (cream cheese, ricotta, or cream) until smooth and glossy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the orecchiette. Toss to coat, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce clings to the pasta.
- Stir in ½ cup Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve warm, topped with remaining Parmesan (and chili flakes, optional).
- Prep Time: 10 miuntes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stove-top, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
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