Name: One Pan Spicy Italian Sausage and Orecchiette Pasta with Arugula Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ onion, diced; Salt to taste; 8 ounces spicy Italian sausages, casings removed; 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided, or as needed; 1 ¼ cups orecchiette pasta, or more to taste; ½ cup roughly chopped arugula, or to taste; ¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste

I absolutely love sharing this One Pan Spicy Italian Sausage and Orecchiette Pasta with Arugula Recipe because it hits all the right notes for a comforting yet vibrant meal. The spicy sausage adds a wonderful kick that wakes up my taste buds, while the tender orecchiette pasta soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully. Tossed with fresh arugula for a peppery brightness and topped with nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, this dish never fails to make me feel cozy and satisfied. Plus, cooking it all in one pan means less cleanup, which I’m always grateful for on busy nights!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Spicy Italian Sausage and Orecchiette Pasta with Arugula Recipe

What truly makes this recipe stand out for me is the harmony of flavors packed into a single pan. The spicy Italian sausage gives the dish an irresistible depth and a gentle heat that blends perfectly with the mellow sweetness of the sautéed onions. When the orecchiette simmers in the savory chicken broth, it absorbs every bit of flavor, creating a luscious and comforting texture. Adding arugula at the end lifts the dish with a subtle peppery freshness that balances the richness beautifully.

Another reason I love this recipe is how uncomplicated it is, yet how impressive the result feels. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, I can have dinner ready in under 40 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when I’m craving something satisfying without fuss. I’ve found it to be a crowd-pleaser, too, making it ideal for casual dinners with family or friends. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it hits the sweet spot between speedy and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The bowls hold different ingredients arranged neatly: the top row includes finely chopped white onions on the left, grated yellow cheese next, a small bowl of white salt, and fresh green chopped herbs on the right. The bottom row has raw ground meat with a pinkish color on the left, light beige small shell pasta in the middle, and a bowl of light brown broth or stock on the right. Each bowl's contents are clearly visible, and the colors contrast well against the bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The key to this recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color. Here’s what you need to make it come alive in your kitchen:

Olive oil: This is the foundation for sautéing and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Onion: Diced and softened, it contributes a sweet, aromatic base.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in every component.
Spicy Italian sausage: The star ingredient that brings bold, zesty flavor and protein.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Used for cooking the pasta and infusing it with savory goodness.
Orecchiette pasta: Small, ear-shaped pasta that holds sauce in every little cup.
Arugula: Adds a fresh, peppery bite right at the end of cooking.
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Finishes the dish with its salty, nutty richness.

Directions

Step 1: Before you begin, gather all your ingredients so everything is at hand. This makes the cooking process smooth and fun.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt. Cook and stir until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds a sweet, flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Crumble the spicy Italian sausages into the skillet and cook them with the onions, stirring frequently. You’ll want the sausage to brown nicely, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning adds that rich, caramelized taste that makes this dish truly special.

Step 4: Pour 1 ½ cups of the chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of your pan – those little bits are packed with flavor that will enhance your pasta.

Step 5: Add the orecchiette pasta into the boiling mixture. Stir the pasta as it cooks, gradually adding the remaining broth a little at a time whenever the liquid is absorbed. This slow absorption method ensures the pasta cooks perfectly while soaking up the broth’s delicious taste. It usually takes about 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.

Step 6: Just before the pasta finishes, stir in the roughly chopped arugula. Let it wilt gently in the heat for a minute or two — this adds a delightful fresh, peppery note to balance the richness of the sausage.

Step 7: To serve, ladle the pasta into bowls and sprinkle generously with finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The cheese melts slightly on the hot pasta, giving it that indulgent finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 2 people, making it perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a generous lunch with leftovers. The prep time is about 15 minutes, which includes chopping the onion and arugula, and removing the sausage casings. Cooking takes roughly 25 minutes, so from start to finish you’re looking at about 40 minutes total. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed, so you can dig right in while it’s warm and fresh.

How to Serve This One Pan Spicy Italian Sausage and Orecchiette Pasta with Arugula Recipe

A large silver pan filled with a cooked pasta dish showing two main layers: the bottom layer is a light brown sauce mixed with small pieces of browned ground meat, and the top layer is small, round orecchiette pasta pieces that are yellow with a smooth texture. Slices of cooked mushrooms add an earthy brown tone scattered evenly throughout. Light green herb bits are sprinkled across the dish, adding a fresh color contrast. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture from the right side, held by a woman's hand. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this pasta, I love keeping things simple and letting the flavors shine. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the sausage without overpowering the dish. I also like serving it alongside some crusty garlic bread for dipping into any extra broth left in the pan. The bread adds a comforting crunch that’s totally satisfying.

Presentation-wise, I like to plate the pasta in warm shallow bowls to keep everything cozy. A final flourish of extra Parmigiano and a few fresh arugula leaves on top always make the serving feel a little more special. For drinks, I recommend a chilled glass of Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio to brighten the palate, or a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

This dish really shines at casual weeknight dinners but also elevates nicely for small gatherings or even holiday meals when you want something hearty yet fuss-free. I serve it hot or warm, straight from the pan, as the flavors are at their best when freshly cooked. Portion-wise, a generous scoop per person with a side salad rounds out a perfectly balanced meal.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this One Pan Spicy Italian Sausage and Orecchiette Pasta with Arugula Recipe to suit different moods and dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a milder dish, swapping the spicy Italian sausage for a sweet version works really well without sacrificing flavor. I’ve also tried adding sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes for an extra burst of color and heat.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, using gluten-free orecchiette or an alternative small pasta shape lets you keep the spirit of the dish intact. For a vegan twist, I replace sausage with spiced plant-based sausage crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Personally, I love tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and freshness.

Another method I sometimes use is finishing the dish in a hot oven for a few minutes with a sprinkle of mozzarella on top to create a golden cheesy crust. It’s a fun treat when you want to impress guests but still keep things simple and one-pan!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this One Pan Spicy Italian Sausage and Orecchiette Pasta with Arugula Recipe, I transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the arugula from wilting too much. Using glass containers helps preserve the taste and makes reheating a breeze.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well if you want to make it ahead for busy days. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 months. When freezing, I skip adding the arugula and Parmigiano cheese, saving those fresh touches for after reheating to maintain their brightness and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the leftover pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and prevent it from drying out. This method brings back the creamy texture and retains the sausage’s juicy flavor. Avoid microwaving directly without moisture as it can make the pasta tough and the arugula brown. Once heated through, I stir in fresh arugula and sprinkle with Parmigiano to revive that fresh finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orecchiette?

Absolutely! While orecchiette is ideal because of its unique shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute with other small to medium pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by swapping the spicy Italian sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplants for the umami boost. Just use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep it veggie-friendly.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?

The heat mainly comes from the spicy Italian sausage, so the dish has a pleasant kick but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer more or less heat, choose sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor or add crushed red pepper flakes to increase spice gradually.

Do I need to pre-cook the sausage before adding the pasta?

No, the sausage is cooked right in the skillet with the onions at the beginning until browned. This way, it develops great flavor and caramelization. Then the pasta cooks in the same pan absorbing all those lovely juices.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?

You can definitely prepare the sausage mixture and cook the pasta ahead of time. If making it ahead, it’s best to keep the arugula and cheese separate and add just before serving to keep freshness. Reheat gently and serve immediately for the best experience.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this One Pan Spicy Italian Sausage and Orecchiette Pasta with Arugula Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for any night you want something truly satisfying without a fuss. Trust me, once you make it, this will become one of your favorites to turn to again and again!