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Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Spinach

Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage Recipe
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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

Units Scale
  • 8 oz orecchiette pasta
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sour cream, ricotta, or heavy cream (your choice)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken sausage.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the ground chicken with fennel, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. 
  3. 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. 
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. 
  6. Stir in the spinach until wilted. Lower the heat and mix in your creamy base (cream cheese, ricotta, or cream, etc.)
  7. Stir in spinach until wilted. Lower the heat and mix in your creamy base (cream cheese, ricotta, or cream) until smooth and glossy.
  8. 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. 
  9. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  10. Serve warm, topped with remaining Parmesan (and chili flakes, optional).

Nutrition

Find it online: https://crave-worthy.com/orecchiette-chicken-sausage-pasta/