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

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta is your weeknight dinner hero. It’s quick, easy, and creates a bold, restaurant-quality meal—all in just one pan. No extra dishes, no complicated steps. This is the quick one pot pasta dish you need when time is tight but cravings are high.

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I perfected this recipe with busy home cooks in mind, where every minute counts. Instead of juggling multiple pots like traditional pasta dishes require, you sauté, simmer, and serve from the same skillet. Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor payoff—the dream, right? Let me show you how to make this foolproof dinner in under 40 minutes.

Why This One Pan Orecchiette Pasta Is a Game-Changer

You’ll love this dish because it makes life in the kitchen simpler, without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why this shortcut works so well:

Everything happens in one pan: No separate boiling for the pasta, saving you a pot to clean and time spent juggling stovetop space.
Faster cooking: Traditional orecchiette recipes can take twice as long. Here, the pasta cooks directly in the broth, soaking up bold flavors.
Less hands-on: Once the pasta simmers, it’s mostly hands-off, giving you time to set the table or whip up a quick salad.
Bigger flavor payoff: Cooking the pasta in savory chicken broth layers on flavor that traditional boiling just can’t match.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

Good news—you don’t need fancy gadgets to pull this off. Here’s what you’ll need:

A large, deep skillet or sauté pan: The higher sides ensure nothing spills over while stirring. Aim for at least 10-12 inches wide for enough space.
A wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up the sausage and scraping up those golden brown bits (a.k.a. pure flavor).
Measuring cups: Since we’re partially measuring out the broth as we cook, accuracy helps!

Tip: If you’re in the market for new cookware, look for nonstick or stainless steel pans with even heat distribution. They’re lifesavers for recipes like this.

Simple Ingredients for One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

This recipe keeps the ingredient list short and versatile. Here’s what gives this dish its star power:

Orecchiette pasta: This uniquely shaped pasta holds sauce beautifully and has the perfect chewy texture. Don’t have it? Small shells or penne work too.
Spicy turkey sausage: Adds protein and a kick of heat. Feel free to swap with sweet Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or a vegan alternative.
Arugula: A peppery green that brightens and balances the dish. Try spinach or kale if arugula isn’t your favorite.
Parmigiano-Reggiano: Finely grated for that nutty, salty finish. Pre-grated options work if you’re in a pinch.

Pro shopping tip: Look for turkey sausage without casings or ask the butcher to remove them for you to cut down on prep time.

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta Recipe Details

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ onion, diced
Salt to taste
8 ounces spicy turkey sausages, casings removed
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 ¼ cups orecchiette pasta
½ cup roughly chopped arugula
¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Step-by-Step One Pan Orecchiette Pasta Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add spicy turkey sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Deglaze the pan by pouring in 1 ½ cups chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for added flavor.
Stir in orecchiette pasta. Cook and stir the pasta in the broth, adding remaining broth gradually as it’s absorbed. This takes about 15 minutes.
Once pasta is tender and most liquid is gone, stir in arugula until wilted.
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve immediately.

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

If your sausage sticks to the pan, add a splash of broth to loosen it before deglazing.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
Batch cook the sausage in advance to save prep time on busy nights.
Leftovers? This reheats beautifully in a skillet with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Easy One Pan Orecchiette Pasta Variations

Veggie-packed: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Milder flavor: Swap spicy turkey sausage for sweet sausage or ground chicken.
Kid-friendly: Skip the arugula and add grated cheddar.

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, other small pasta shapes like shells or fusilli work, though cooking times may vary slightly.

What can I use instead of arugula?

Spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard would be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking time slightly for tougher greens.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth.

Try this One Pan Orecchiette Pasta tonight and let me know how it turns out. What’s your favorite one-pan dinner? Share it in the comments!