Calabrian Orecchiette

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Spice up your weeknights with Calabrian Orecchiette pasta made with sweet cherry tomatoes, savory sausage, and spicy Calabrian chiles.

I picked up a jar of Calabrian chiles a while back and have been trying to find different ways to use it. If you don’t know Calabrian chiles are spicy chiles grown in the Calabrian region of Southern Italy. They are about 10x hotter than a jalapeno so yes, they pack a bit of a punch.

That being said, if you are looking to add a little kick to your dishes, I highly recommend giving them a try. This Calabrian Orecchiette pasta is a new favorite way to enjoy them. I add them to a fresh tomato sauce thats made with sweet cherry tomatoes, shallots and garlic. Its the perfect balance of sweet and salty. And best of all? It comes together in about 30 minutes making it perfect for your busy weeknights!

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.

Calabrian Orecchiette Ingredients:

• ITALIAN SAUSAGE: I used mild Italian sausage as I was planning on getting most of the heat from the Calabrian chiles. If you want to increase the heat even more, use hot Italian sausage.
• OLIVE OIL: To saute the shallots and tomatoes.
• SHALLOT: Shallots will add a subtle onion flavor but are a bit milder and sweeter than regular onions.
• GARLIC: Garlic and tomato sauce go hand in hand in my opinion so I add plenty of fresh chopped garlic to this recipe.
• CHERRY TOMATOES: You can also use grape tomatoes, campari tomatoes or a combination of.
• CALABRIAN CHILIES: What gives this pasta the heat. Calabrian chiles are grown in the Calabrian region of Southern Italy. These peppers are hot, smoky and usually found in grocery stores here in the US packed in oil.
• SALT
• ORECCHIETTE: This pasta is also known as “Little ear” because of it’s shape. If you don’t have any or cannot find it, you can use any small pasta shape for this recipe. Elbows, shells or even penne would work great.
• FRESH BASIL: Adds a sweet flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

Step by Step Photos an Instructions:

Making this Calabrian Orecchiette is SO easy! It can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Making it perfect for those busy weeknights. Follow along with these easy step by step photos and instructions.

• STEP #1: Cook pasta according to package instructions.
• STEP #2: While pasta is cooking, in a large skillet that will fit the pasta, brown Italian sausage. Drain the grease and set sausage aside.
• STEP #3: In the same skillet that you cooked the sausage in, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and cook just until they start to wilt. Add in the tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and calabrian chilies and cook just until garlic is fragrant.
• STEP #4: Stir in reserved pasta water to deglaze the pan. Be sure to scrape any brown bits that have stuck to the bottom, there is good flavor there!
• STEP #5: Add the cooked pasta and return the sausage to the pan. Toss to coat. If pasta seems dry add some more pasta water. Stir to coat. Season with salt and stir in fresh chopped basil. Serve hot.

Storage and Leftovers:

This Calabrian Orecchiette makes great leftovers! Simply store any leftovers in the refrigerator and use within in few days. I reheated it quickly in the microwave or you can reheat it on the stove. You might need to add a little more water if you reheat it on the stove.

Looking for more quick weeknight pasta recipes?

Aglio e Olio pasta is a traditional Italian dish. It is simplistic with only a handful of ingredients including garlic, olive oil and red pepper flakes. Ready in under 30 minutes. 

Linguine with Clams is a classic for a reason. Fresh clams simmered in a buttery white wine sauce and tossed with hot pasta. Perfect for weeknights!

Sausage Broccoli Pasta is the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal. Made with spicy Italian sausage, broccoli, pasta and parmesan.