One-Pan Orecchiette Pasta: Effortless Weeknight Dinner Recipes

One-pan meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They minimize cleanup, maximize flavor, and are incredibly versatile. This one-pan orecchiette pasta recipe is a testament to that. It’s quick, easy, and packed with delicious ingredients. Orecchiette, meaning “little ears” in Italian, are the perfect shape for catching all the flavorful sauce. This recipe will become a staple in your household, promising a satisfying and stress-free dinner.

## Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Orecchiette Pasta

* **Minimal Cleanup:** The biggest draw is the single pan! Fewer dishes mean more time relaxing.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. Swap out vegetables, proteins, and cheeses.
* **Flavorful:** Cooking everything together allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory sauce.
* **Family-Friendly:** A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **1 pound orecchiette pasta:** Orecchiette’s unique shape captures the sauce perfectly, but other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle can be substituted.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **1 onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base to the sauce.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Essential for flavor! Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **1 red bell pepper, chopped:** Adds sweetness and color.
* **1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes:** Forms the base of the sauce. Look for good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
* **4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth):** The liquid that cooks the pasta and creates the sauce. Broth adds more flavor than just water.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano:** A classic Italian herb that complements the tomatoes and other ingredients.
* **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional):** Adds a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty, savory, and cheesy element. Pecorino Romano is another excellent choice.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh basil:** Adds a fresh, aromatic finish. Parsley can be substituted if basil is not available.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the dish.
* **Optional add-ins:** Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled), spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfect one-pan orecchiette pasta:

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients (Except Cheese and Basil)**

* Add the chopped red bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness, so don’t over-salt at this stage.
* Stir everything together to combine.

**Step 3: Add the Pasta**

* Add the orecchiette pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little more broth or water.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
* Cover the skillet and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

**Step 4: Finish and Serve**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
* Let the pasta sit for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
* Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect One-Pan Orecchiette Pasta

* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Check the pasta for doneness after 12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite.
* **Adjust the liquid:** The amount of liquid needed may vary depending on the type of pasta and the size of your skillet. If the pasta is cooking too quickly and the liquid is evaporating, add a little more broth or water. If there is too much liquid at the end, remove the lid and simmer for a few minutes until it evaporates.
* **Stir frequently:** Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking.
* **Use a large skillet:** A large skillet or Dutch oven is essential for this recipe. It provides enough surface area for the pasta to cook evenly and prevents overcrowding.
* **Customize the flavors:** This recipe is a blank canvas! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, proteins, and cheeses. See the variations section below for ideas.
* **Fresh herbs are key:** Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use half the amount.
* **Taste and adjust:** Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.

## Variations and Add-ins

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:

* **Italian Sausage:** Brown Italian sausage in the skillet before adding the onion and garlic. Remove the sausage and set aside. Add it back to the skillet with the pasta.
* **Spinach:** Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the spinach wilts.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic.
* **Zucchini:** Add diced zucchini to the skillet with the bell pepper.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Halve cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet with the crushed tomatoes.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Add fresh mozzarella cheese to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the cheese melts.
* **Pesto:** Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of flavor.
* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese at the end for a creamier sauce.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute. Add other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.

## Serving Suggestions

This one-pan orecchiette pasta is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the pasta.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta dish.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** Add grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also cook the pasta completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little broth or water.
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use a different type of pasta?** Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta.
* **Can I use water instead of broth?** Yes, you can use water, but the broth adds more flavor to the sauce.
* **Can I make this recipe gluten-free?** Yes, use gluten-free orecchiette pasta.
* **Can I freeze this pasta?** While you *can* freeze it, the texture of the pasta might change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
* **How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?** Stir frequently and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan. If it’s still sticking, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
* **The sauce is too thick/thin! What do I do?** If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or water. If it’s too thin, remove the lid and simmer for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

## Conclusion

This one-pan orecchiette pasta recipe is a winner! It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, grab a skillet, and get cooking!

Enjoy!