10+ Oriecchete Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Orecchiette pasta is a delightful shape that brings charm to any dish. You can easily create satisfying meals with orecchiette, whether you prefer it paired with vegetables, meats, or sauces. This pasta, which translates to “little ears” in Italian, is perfect for holding onto flavors and complements a variety of ingredients.

In this article, you will discover several delicious orecchiette recipes that are simple to prepare. Each recipe offers a unique combination of tastes that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to explore the versatility of orecchiette in your kitchen!

Creamy Pesto Orecchiette

Creamy Pesto Orecchiette is a delicious and simple dish to make. You will love how smooth and tasty the sauce turns out. The heavy cream blends perfectly with the pesto to create a rich flavor that coats each piece of pasta.

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite protein or veggies. Chicken, sausage, or even broccoli all work great. This versatility makes it a perfect choice for any meal.

To start, cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package directions. In another pot, mix heavy cream and pesto over low heat until warm. Combine the pasta with the sauce and mix well.

Feel free to top your dish with parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper for extra flavor. Enjoy this comforting pasta dish any night of the week!

Ingredients:

• 250 grams orecchiette pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 to 6 tablespoons basil pesto
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the orecchiette according to package directions.
2. In a separate pan, heat the heavy cream on low.
3. Stir in the basil pesto until well combined.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with parmesan cheese on top.

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage

Orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage is a delicious and comforting dish. The slight bitterness of the broccoli rabe works well with the savory sausage. This meal is not only tasty but also quick to prepare.

To start, cook orecchiette pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for it to be al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned.

Next, sauté the broccoli rabe in the same skillet. Season with salt and garlic for extra flavor. Once the broccoli is tender, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine the flavors.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
2. Cook orecchiette pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add sausage and cook until browned.
5. Remove sausage and sauté broccoli rabe in the same skillet.
6. Add garlic and season with salt.
7. Combine pasta, sausage, and broccoli rabe in the skillet. Toss well to mix.

3) Lemon Ricotta Orecchiette

Lemon Ricotta Orecchiette is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any meal. The creamy ricotta cheese combined with fresh lemon creates a light and zesty sauce. This pasta dish is simple to make and packed with flavor.

Start with cooking the orecchiette pasta in salted water. While it cooks, mix together ricotta cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. You can add some black pepper for extra taste.

Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and save some of the cooking water. Combine the pasta with the ricotta mixture. If it seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency.

Top your dish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan for added flavor. Enjoy your Lemon Ricotta Orecchiette warm!

Ingredients:

• 200g orecchiette pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• Black pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook orecchiette in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water.
4. Combine pasta with ricotta mixture, adding water as needed.
5. Serve with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

4) Spicy Orecchiette Arrabbiata

Spicy Orecchiette Arrabbiata is a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish. This recipe features orecchiette pasta with a fiery tomato sauce, making it perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

To make this dish, you start by cooking your orecchiette in salted boiling water. As the pasta cooks, you can prepare the arrabbiata sauce. The sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and combine it with the sauce. Toss it well to coat every piece of pasta with that spicy goodness. Serve it hot, and feel free to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Add orecchiette and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes; simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Combine pasta with sauce; mix well.
7. Serve with basil on top.

5) Garlic Shrimp Orecchiette

Garlic shrimp orecchiette is a simple and delicious dish you can make at home. The pasta pairs perfectly with shrimp and a rich garlic flavor.

Start by cooking the orecchiette in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then add your shrimp, cooking them until they are pink and opaque. Toss in some fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it but reserve some of the cooking water. Combine the pasta with the shrimp in the skillet. Add a splash of reserved water to create a light sauce and stir well.

Serve your garlic shrimp orecchiette with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water and cook the orecchiette.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque.
5. Drain the pasta, saving some water.
6. Combine pasta with shrimp and a splash of reserved water.
7. Toss well and serve with cheese if desired.

6) Orecchiette with Fresh Tomatoes & Basil

Orecchiette with fresh tomatoes and basil is a simple and delicious dish. You can easily make it at home using fresh ingredients. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil makes for a refreshing meal.

Start by cooking orecchiette pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, chop fresh tomatoes and basil.

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden. Add the tomatoes and cook until soft. Once the pasta is done, combine it with the tomato mixture. Toss in fresh basil to complete the dish.

This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It pairs well with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) orecchiette pasta
• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orecchiette in salted boiling water for 10-12 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
6. Toss in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Baked Orecchiette with Cheese

Baked orecchiette with cheese is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You will love how creamy and flavorful it turns out. This dish combines pasta, cheese, and some simple seasoning for a tasty meal.

Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water well. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

In a baking dish, mix the pasta with your favorite cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and ricotta works wonderfully. You can also add some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

To make it even more delicious, consider adding spinach or cooked pancetta. These ingredients add great texture and taste.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melty and golden. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Optional: 1 cup cooked spinach or pancetta (for extra flavor)
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook orecchiette according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a baking dish, combine pasta with mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan.
4. Add spinach or pancetta if desired.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden.

Orecchiette with Wilted Spinach & Parmesan

This recipe for orecchiette with wilted spinach and parmesan is simple and delicious. You will enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. It makes a great meal for any day of the week.

Start by cooking your orecchiette pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. As it cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should take just a few minutes.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the pan with the spinach. Toss everything together and sprinkle with grated parmesan. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a creamy texture. Serve it warm for a comforting dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) orecchiette pasta
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orecchiette in salted water until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Drain pasta and add it to the pan.
5. Toss with spinach and parmesan, then serve warm.

Mushroom & Herb Orecchiette

You will love making this flavorful Mushroom & Herb Orecchiette. The combination of mushrooms and fresh herbs creates a delightful dish that’s both simple and satisfying.

Start by heating some olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and add your favorite mushrooms, like Portobello and cremini. Cook until they are tender.

Next, introduce fresh spinach to the mix. Stir it in until it wilts down, adding a burst of color and nutrition.

Finally, toss in the cooked orecchiette pasta. Make sure the pasta is coated well with the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.

This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz orecchiette pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 7 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook orecchiette according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
5. Stir in spinach until wilted.
6. Combine the orecchiette with the mushroom mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

10) Orecchiette with Roasted Eggplant

Orecchiette with roasted eggplant is a delicious dish that brings out wonderful flavors. The ear-shaped pasta pairs well with the rich taste of the eggplant.

To start, you will need to roast the eggplant until it’s soft. Cut the eggplant into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes.

Cook your orecchiette in salted boiling water. Once it’s al dente, reserve some pasta water before draining. Mix the pasta with the roasted eggplant.

You can enhance the dish with garlic, tomatoes, or fresh herbs. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Orecchiette pasta
• 1 large eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional: garlic, tomatoes, cheese, fresh herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the eggplant into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt.
3. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes.
4. Cook the orecchiette according to package instructions.
5. Reserve some pasta cooking water. Then, drain the pasta.
6. Mix the orecchiette with the roasted eggplant and any additional ingredients.