18 Best Orecchiette Pasta Recipes

Are you looking for some tasty and easy orecchiette pasta recipes to try?

Orecchiette is a type of pasta that is shaped like small earlobes, and it comes from the Puglia region of Italy.

It’s a delicious pasta that can be used in so many different recipes.

Whether you are looking for a vegetarian orecchiette recipe, a chicken orecchiette recipe, or a seafood orecchiette recipe, there is sure to be something on this list for you.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try!

18 Easy Orecchiette Pasta Recipes

Before you jump straight into these orecchiette recipes, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. When measuring out your orecchiette, keep in mind that one cup of dry pasta is typically equal to two servings. So if you’re cooking for one, you might want to consider halving the recipe.
2. As with any pasta, be careful not to overcook your orecchiette. It should be cooked until it is al dente, or just tender. Any longer and the pasta will start to fall apart and become mushy.
3. Finally, don’t forget to have fun! There are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes for orecchiette pasta. So experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find a combination you love.

Need some inspiration?

Try one of these 18 orecchiette pasta recipes:

Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

This recipe features pasta coated with a creamy, flavorful sauce made with mushrooms, thyme, and garlic.

The thyme really shines through and gives the dish a nice earthy flavor.

I also like to add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of a kick.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I like to serve this dish with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

The salad helps to lighten things up a bit and the bread is great for mopping up all of the delicious sauce.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add a little bit of protein to this dish, you could try adding some cooked chicken or shrimp.

You could also mix in some frozen peas or spinach for a pop of color and an extra boost of nutrients.

Orecchiette with Chicken Sausage and Asparagus

This recipe features creamy pesto pasta with chicken sausage and fresh vegetables using orecchiette pasta.

To add flavor, I like to use a variety of herbs and spices.

For this dish, I used garlic, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.

You could also add oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

I think that the key to adding flavor with herbs and spices is to use a variety that complement each other.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I usually like to serve this dish with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.

The garlic bread goes well with the garlic in the pasta dish, and the salad is a light and healthy side.

You could also serve this with a side of roasted vegetables.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add more vegetables to this dish, you could try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or yellow squash.

You could also add sun-dried tomatoes or olives.

If you want to make this dish a little more hearty, you could add some cannellini beans (Check out these canned cannellini beans recipes).

One-Skillet Orecchiette With Shrimp, Spinach, and Mushrooms

Earthy, meaty mushrooms, tender shrimp, and silky strands of spinach come together in this one-skillet pasta dish.

I like to keep the seasoning simple with just a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.

If you want to add more flavor, try stirring in some freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

If you’re looking for a complete meal, this dish goes great with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.

I also like to add a little bit of Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta for extra flavor.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add more protein to this dish, try chicken or sausage.

You could also add some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for more flavor.

Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage

This recipe includes kale in a light cream sauce.

I like to season the kale with a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes to give it some heat.

I also think that this dish could benefit from some fresh herbs, like parsley or basil.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I think that this dish would be great with a simple salad on the side.

I would also recommend serving some bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add some protein to this dish, you could add some cooked chicken or sausage.

I also think that this dish would be good with some sun-dried tomatoes or olives.

Cheesy Orecchiette Pasta with Peas and Asparagus

Fresh, seasonal cheesy orecchiette pasta with peas and asparagus is a simple but flavorful dish.

I add flavor with herbs and spices by using fresh basil, oregano, and parsley.

I also like to add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I like to serve this dish with a simple green salad and some garlic bread.

The salad helps to lighten up the dish, and the garlic bread is perfect for mopping up all of the delicious sauce.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add a bit more protein to this dish, you could add some grilled chicken or shrimp.

You could also add some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for an extra pop of flavor.

Broccoli & Anchovy Orecchiette (Jamie Oliver Pasta Recipe)

Jamie Oliver needs no introduction when it comes to flavor.

This British chef is known for his ability to take simple ingredients and turn them into mouth-watering dishes.

His broccoli & anchovy orecchiette pasta recipe is no different.

The key to adding flavor to this dish is to use a variety of herbs and spices.

Oliver recommends using oregano, thyme, and garlic to flavor the pasta.

He also suggests adding a pinch of chili flakes for a little bit of heat.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I usually like to keep the sides simple when I make this dish.

A green salad and some crusty bread are usually all I need.

However, if you want to get a little fancier, you could try serving it with roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add some more protein to this dish, you could try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.

You could also add some chopped-up pancetta or bacon for a little bit of extra flavor.

Orecchiette Pasta with Chorizo Sausage and Roasted Butternut Squash

Delicious orecchiette pasta with a spicy chorizo sausage, spinach and roasted butternut squash in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

I add flavor to this dish with a combination of herbs and spices.

1. I start by cooking the chorizo sausage in a pan until it is nice and crispy.
2. Then, I add the garlic, onion, and roasted butternut squash.
3. I cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water according to the package directions.
4. Once it is cooked, I drain it and add it to the pan with the other ingredients.
5. I then add the spinach and Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir everything together until the cheese is melted.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I like to serve this dish with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you wanted to, you could also add some cooked chicken or shrimp to this dish.

You could also add some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.

Orecchiette with Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

The addition of veggies and turkey sausage make this dish flavorful and hearty.

I also like to add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes to give it some heat.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I usually like to serve this dish with a side salad and some garlic bread.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you wanted to, you could also add some shredded Parmesan cheese to the top of this dish.

Creamy Sausage Orecchiette Pasta with Kale

This creamy sausage kale pasta is rich, comforting, and perfect for a winter night.

I add flavor to the dish with a combination of herbs and spices, including:

• Oregano
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes

These herbs and spices give the dish an extra boost of flavor, and I think they really make the dish special.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I usually like to serve this pasta dish with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

The salad is a great way to lighten up the dish, and the bread is perfect for mopping up all of the delicious sauce.

If you want to add a little something extra to this pasta dish, you could try:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Crumbled feta cheese

All of these ingredients would be great in this dish, and they would add even more flavor and texture.

Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta (Vegan)

This simple vegan burst cherry tomato pasta is a summer weeknight dream.

It comes together in under 30 minutes, and can easily be made ahead of time.

The key to this dish is in the herbs and spices.

I like to use a combination of basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to really give the dish a zesty flavor.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Recipe

I typically like to serve this pasta with a simple side salad.

I think the acidity of the tomatoes pairs well with a bright and crispy salad.

If you want something a little heartier, you could also serve this pasta with some grilled vegetables.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add some extra protein to this dish, you could always add some grilled chicken or shrimp.

You could also add some cooked beans to really bulk it up.

I like to keep it simple, but you could definitely get creative with this dish.

Orecchiette with Almond Pesto and Broccoli Rabe

Delicious when served fresh and warm, this orecchiette pasta recipe features a flavorful almond pesto sauce.

I like to add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat, as well as some freshly ground black pepper.

I also add a bit of chopped parsley to the dish for a pop of color and freshness.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

This orecchiette pasta dish is hearty and filling, but I like to serve it with a simple side salad to add a bit of freshness and crunch.

I also think it goes well with a glass of white wine.

Other Ingredients You Could Try

If you want to add some protein to this dish, you could try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.

You could also add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the pesto sauce for a bit of extra flavor.

Mediterranean Orecchiette Recipe with White Beans

For those busy nights, you’ll love this easy orecchiette pasta recipe that’s full of flavor.

I like to add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of a kick.

If you’re not a fan of spice, you can always omit this ingredient.

I also like to add fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to give the dish an extra boost of flavor.

Sides To Try

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking for something to serve alongside it, I suggest a simple green salad and some garlic bread.

Other Ingredients You Could Use

If you’re looking to add some more protein to this dish, you could always add some cooked chicken or shrimp.

You could also add some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra pop of flavor.

Orecchiette with Garlicky Kale & Crispy Breadcrumbs

This pasta with kale and garlicky breadcrumbs is a hearty, flavor-packed orecchiette pasta recipe that is sure to please.

I like to use a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor to this dish, including garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.

You could also add some Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy flavor.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I like to serve this pasta with a simple salad and some garlic bread.

The salad helps to lighten up the dish, and the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all of the delicious sauce.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add some extra protein to this dish, you could add some cooked chicken or sausage.

You could also add some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra pop of flavor.

Baked Orecchiette with Broccoli and Crispy Guanciale

A wonderful combination of textures and flavors, this orecchiette pasta dish is made even better with the addition of some herbs and spices.

I like to use thyme, oregano, and basil to really give the dish an extra zing.

You could also add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like things a little bit spicier.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I usually like to serve this orecchiette pasta dish with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.

The salad is a great way to add some extra veggies to the meal, and the bread is perfect for mopping up all of the delicious sauce.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add some more protein to the dish, you could cooked chicken or sausage.

You could also add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Baked Orecchiette with Pork Sugo

This baked orecchiette pasta recipe incorporates pork sugo to give it a delicious, rich flavor.

To balance out the heaviness of the pork, I like to add a variety of herbs and spices.

Some of my favorites include oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

This combination of flavors creates a dish that is both hearty and flavorful.

Sides I Like To Serve

I like to serve this dish with a simple salad and some garlic bread.

The salad helps to lighten up the meal, and the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all of the delicious sauce.

Other Ingredients You Could Use

If you want to add a little more protein to this dish, you could add some cooked chicken or sausage.

You could also add some vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms.

Traditional Orecchiette Sausage Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce

If you want to go the traditional route with your orecchiette pasta, then you’ll want to use a few key herbs and spices.

1. I like to start with a base of garlic, onion, and crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Then, I add in some oregano, parsley, and black pepper.

This combination of flavors is really delicious, and it really brings out the flavor of the orecchiette pasta.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I really like to keep things simple when I’m serving orecchiette pasta.

I think that a nice, green salad goes really well with this dish.

I also like to add a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta.

It really adds a nice, finishing touch.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to, you could also add some cooked chicken or sausage to this dish.

I think that would be really delicious.

You could also add some mushrooms, or even some sun-dried tomatoes.

Get creative and see what you come up with!

Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage & Bell Peppers

Tomato orecchiette pasta recipes aren’t typically very heavy on the herbs and spices, but I like to add a little bit of both to mine.

I think it adds a lot of flavor without making the dish too salty.

Some of my favorite herbs to add to this dish are basil, oregano, and thyme.

I also like to add a little bit of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of heat.

As for spices, I usually just stick to salt and pepper.

But if you want to get a little more adventurous, you could try adding some garlic powder or onion powder.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I usually like to keep things simple when I’m serving orecchiette pasta as a main dish.

So, my go-to sides are a green salad and some crusty bread.

The salad is a great way to add some freshness and crunch to the dish, and the bread is perfect for mopping up all of the delicious sauce.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add some more protein to this dish, you could try adding some cooked chicken or shrimp.

Or, for a vegetarian option, you could add some extra vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms.

If you want to make the dish a little more decadent, you could try adding some creamy goat cheese or grated Parmesan cheese.

Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

Orecchiette broccoli pasta recipes can sometimes be a little bland.

To add some flavor to this dish, I like to use garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley.

You could also add some Parmesan cheese to the top of the dish when you serve it.

Sides I Like To Serve With This Dish

I usually like to serve a salad with this dish.

I think the acidity in the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the sausage and pasta.

I also think that a crusty piece of bread would be a great side for this dish.

Other Ingredients You Could Add

If you want to add some more vegetables to this dish, you could try adding some chopped kale or spinach.

You could also add some pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes.