Introduction: Ready for a Hearty, No-Fuss Pasta Dish?
Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in a single pot? This One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu is your perfect choice! Featuring savory Italian pork sausage, tender orecchiette pasta, vibrant vegetables like dino kale, carrots, and celery, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is a delightful blend of hearty, savory, and earthy flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings, it’s inspired by your love for bold, veggie-packed dishes like Kale Caesar Pasta Salad and Stir-Fried Beef Bowls. Adaptable for gluten-free diets and with keto options, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser. Ready to cook a delicious ragu? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Overview: Why One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu is a Must-Try
This One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu combines juicy sausage, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables in a rich, tomatoey sauce, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. The simple simmering method ensures deep flavors with little effort. What makes it special? It’s a hearty dish that’s ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for showcasing robust ingredients, and adaptable for dietary needs, offering a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal fuss.
- Time Requirement: About 35 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Perfect for beginners or quick dinners.
- Why It’s Special: A hearty, one-pot pasta with rich, savory flavors.
This one-pot ragu is a comforting, delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu. Each ingredient adds to the hearty, savory, and earthy magic.
- Italian Pork Sausage (1 lb): Provides rich, savory flavor and protein.
- Red Onion (1 cup, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth.
- Garlic Cloves (3, chopped): Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- Carrots (1 cup, diced): Offer sweet, crunchy texture.
- Celery (1 cup, diced): Adds mild, earthy crunch.
- Dino Kale (3 cups, chopped): Provides nutrient-rich, hearty greens.
- Orecchiette Pasta (1 lb, dry): Offers a chewy, sauce-catching shape.
- Tomato Paste (6 oz): Delivers concentrated, rich tomato flavor.
- Water (1½ cups): Creates a thick, saucy base.
Substitutions and Variations
- Italian Sausage: Swap with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
- Orecchiette Pasta: Replace with fusilli, penne, or gluten-free pasta; use zucchini noodles for keto (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Dino Kale: Use spinach, Swiss chard, or omit for keto.
- Tomato Paste: Swap with 1 cup crushed tomatoes (adjust water to 1 cup for consistency).
- Keto Adjustment: Use zucchini noodles, reduce carrots to ¼ cup, and omit pasta (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure sausage is gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage and ensure tomato paste is vegan-friendly.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp red-pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu is simple, with all ingredients cooked in a single pot for ease. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large saucepan (at least 4 quarts), cook 1 lb Italian pork sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Remove sausage from the pan, reserving the rendered fat.
Tip: Break sausage into small pieces for even distribution; drain excess fat if more than 2 Tbsp remains.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pan, using the reserved sausage fat, cook 1 cup chopped red onion, 3 chopped garlic cloves, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1 cup diced celery over medium heat until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking; stir frequently to avoid burning garlic.
Step 3: Add Kale
- Add 3 cups chopped dino kale to the pan and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Remove tough kale stems before chopping; massage lightly if kale is tough.
Step 4: Build the Ragu
- Stir in 6 oz tomato paste and 1½ cups water until combined.
- Bring to a boil, then return the browned sausage to the pan.
- Add 1 lb dry orecchiette pasta and stir to coat.
Tip: Stir tomato paste thoroughly to avoid clumps; ensure pasta is submerged for even cooking.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
- Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce is thickened.
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Check pasta doneness at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking; add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
Assembly: Building the Perfect One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu
Making this One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu is all about creating a hearty, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Brown Sausage Well: Cook until golden for maximum flavor.
- Soften Veggies Evenly: Cook until just tender to retain texture.
- Simmer Carefully: Ensure pasta cooks evenly in the sauce.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in wide, shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic presentation.
- Pair with a keto-friendly side like cucumber salad or grilled zucchini (if using keto substitutions).
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for a polished look.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This ragu is best enjoyed fresh but stores well for quick meals. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as pasta and vegetables lose texture.
- Reheating:
- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring, for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring, until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep vegetables and sausage up to 1 day ahead; store separately in the fridge.
- Cook the dish fresh for the best pasta texture.
Tip: Add a splash of olive oil or fresh herbs when reheating to revive flavors.
Recipe Variations
This One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu is versatile, drawing on your love for hearty, veggie-packed dishes like Kale Caesar Pasta Salad and Honey-Lime Chicken. Here are some fun ideas:
- Keto Ragu: Use zucchini noodles, reduce carrots, and omit pasta (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure sausage is gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage; ensure tomato paste is vegan-friendly.
- Spicy Ragu: Add ½ tsp red-pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper with the vegetables.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or vegan cream at the end for richness.
Tip: Serve with a side of keto-friendly garlic bread or a sprinkle of fresh basil for extra flair.
Conclusion: A Hearty, Comforting Treat to Love
One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu is the perfect way to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy. With savory sausage, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings, this ragu is sure to become a favorite. Play with the variations, garnish with your favorites, and savor every hearty, savory bite. What’s your favorite way to enjoy this one-pot ragu? Share your ideas in the comments and let us know how it turned out!
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One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu
Description
Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in a single pot? This One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu is your perfect choice! Featuring savory Italian pork sausage, tender orecchiette pasta, vibrant vegetables like dino kale, carrots, and celery, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is a delightful blend of hearty, savory, and earthy flavors
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make One-Pot Orecchiette Ragu. Each ingredient adds to the hearty, savory, and earthy magic.
- Italian Pork Sausage (1 lb): Provides rich, savory flavor and protein.
- Red Onion (1 cup, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth.
- Garlic Cloves (3, chopped): Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- Carrots (1 cup, diced): Offer sweet, crunchy texture.
- Celery (1 cup, diced): Adds mild, earthy crunch.
- Dino Kale (3 cups, chopped): Provides nutrient-rich, hearty greens.
- Orecchiette Pasta (1 lb, dry): Offers a chewy, sauce-catching shape.
- Tomato Paste (6 oz): Delivers concentrated, rich tomato flavor.
- Water (1½ cups): Creates a thick, saucy base.
Substitutions and Variations
- Italian Sausage: Swap with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
- Orecchiette Pasta: Replace with fusilli, penne, or gluten-free pasta; use zucchini noodles for keto (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Dino Kale: Use spinach, Swiss chard, or omit for keto.
- Tomato Paste: Swap with 1 cup crushed tomatoes (adjust water to 1 cup for consistency).
- Keto Adjustment: Use zucchini noodles, reduce carrots to ¼ cup, and omit pasta (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta; ensure sausage is gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage and ensure tomato paste is vegan-friendly.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp red-pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- In a large saucepan (at least 4 quarts), cook 1 lb Italian pork sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Remove sausage from the pan, reserving the rendered fat.
Tip: Break sausage into small pieces for even distribution; drain excess fat if more than 2 Tbsp remains.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pan, using the reserved sausage fat, cook 1 cup chopped red onion, 3 chopped garlic cloves, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1 cup diced celery over medium heat until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking; stir frequently to avoid burning garlic.
Step 3: Add Kale
- Add 3 cups chopped dino kale to the pan and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Remove tough kale stems before chopping; massage lightly if kale is tough.
Step 4: Build the Ragu
- Stir in 6 oz tomato paste and 1½ cups water until combined.
- Bring to a boil, then return the browned sausage to the pan.
- Add 1 lb dry orecchiette pasta and stir to coat.
Tip: Stir tomato paste thoroughly to avoid clumps; ensure pasta is submerged for even cooking.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
- Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce is thickened.
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Check pasta doneness at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking; add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Swap orecchiette with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta; adjust cooking time as needed.
2. Is this dish keto-friendly?
With pasta and carrots, it’s not keto-friendly (~20–25g net carbs per serving). Use zucchini noodles and reduce carrots for keto (~2–3g net carbs).
3. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Swap sausage with plant-based sausage; ensure tomato paste is vegan-friendly.
4. Why is my pasta undercooked?
- Ensure pasta is fully submerged in liquid during simmering.
- Add a splash of water if needed and extend cooking time by 2–3 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prep sausage and vegetables up to 1 day ahead; cook pasta fresh.
6. How long does it last?
Ragu lasts in the fridge for 3 days; store in an airtight container.
7. Can I use other greens?
Yes! Swap kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens.
8. What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve hot in bowls, paired with a keto-friendly side like cucumber salad or grilled zucchini, garnished with Parmesan or fresh herbs.