Some dishes taste like comfort from the very first bite, and One Pan Orecchiette Pasta falls beautifully into that category. This recipe brings together tender pasta, savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy, satisfying sauce—all cooked in a single pan. As life gets busier, home cooks appreciate meals that save time without sacrificing flavor. This dish does exactly that. Orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian, holds sauce perfectly, making every bite rich and delicious. Even better, you can bring this meal from stovetop to table without juggling multiple pots or complicated steps.

To help you master it, this guide walks you through every step, from clear ingredient measurements to smart cooking tips and flavor variations. By the end, you’ll feel confident preparing a one-pan pasta dish that impresses every time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you begin:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ¼ teaspoons salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
12 ounces (340 g) dried orecchiette pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, brightens the flavor)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the sausage browns and releases its flavorful oils. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the sausage caramelize, which builds the base layer of flavor.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Once the sausage browns, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir the mixture and cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Next, add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomatoes start to break down. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. The seasonings coat the mixture and help deepen the aroma.

3. Add the Liquid Base

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything well so the browned bits from the bottom of the pan lift into the liquid. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.

4. Add the Orecchiette

Add the dried orecchiette directly into the simmering liquid. Stir to ensure the pasta submerges evenly. Let the pasta cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently so it cooks uniformly and absorbs the broth and cream mixture. As it cooks, the sauce thickens and coats each piece of pasta beautifully. Taste for seasoning and add the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt if needed.

5. Incorporate Greens and Cheese

Once the pasta turns tender and the sauce thickens to a silky texture, reduce the heat. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the dish. Then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts into the sauce, giving the pasta a velvety richness.

6. Finish with Freshness

For an added burst of brightness, toss in the lemon zest and chopped basil right before serving. These fresh elements balance the richness and give the dish a vibrant lift.

Conservation and Storage

You can store leftover One Pan Orecchiette Pasta in an airtight container once it cools completely. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth, cream, or water because the pasta continues to absorb sauce over time. Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or heat individual portions in the microwave.

If you prefer to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after freezing, so stir thoroughly when reheating to restore smoothness.

Variations

One of the best things about this dish lies in its adaptability. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Swap the Protein

Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Replace sausage with shrimp; add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Make it vegetarian with white beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Change the Vegetables

Add zucchini, kale, or peas.
Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a deeper flavor.

Adjust the Sauce

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Add ½ cup of tomato sauce for a rosé-style dish.

Try Other Cheeses

Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or fresh mozzarella chunks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic presentation. It pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce
A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil
A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, for an added side

You can also top each serving with more Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-style finish.

Conclusion

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta brings together convenience, comfort, and bold flavor in every bite. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, and fresh herbs, it easily becomes a weeknight staple. The one-pan method keeps cleanup simple, while endless variations let you adapt the dish to suit any mood or ingredients you have on hand. Whether you cook it for family dinner, a cozy night in, or to impress guests, this recipe delivers satisfaction every single time. Enjoy the versatility, richness, and pure comfort that this easy one-pan pasta brings to your table.

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One Pan Orecchiette Pasta: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal Made Easy

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pan Orecchiette Pasta delivers tender pasta, savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, rich sauce—all made in one skillet. It saves time, minimizes cleanup, and brings maximum comfort and flavor to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, removed from casings

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 ¼ teaspoons salt, divided

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

12 ounces (340 g) dried orecchiette pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, break it apart, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and caramelized.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion and red bell pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook 1–2 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.

Add the Liquid Base

Lower heat to medium. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Orecchiette

Add dried orecchiette. Stir and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens. Add remaining ¼ teaspoon salt if needed.

Add Greens and Cheese

Stir in spinach until wilted. Add Parmesan and mix until creamy.

Finish and Serve

Add basil and lemon zest right before serving for extra freshness.