If you are craving a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish, this Recchiette Sausage Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. The unique cup-shaped recchiette perfectly cradles every bit of the luscious, velvety tomato sauce enriched with savory Italian sausage and a touch of cream, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s a feast that feels indulgent but comes together simply, promising a weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a pile of dry orecchiette pasta scattered on a white marbled surface, showing the small, ear-shaped pieces with a light beige color and a slightly rough texture. The pasta pieces vary in size and some show curved edges while others are more rounded, creating a natural, uneven look. The focus is sharp on the foreground pasta, while the background is softly blurred, emphasizing the shape and texture of the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Each element plays a role in balancing richness, freshness, and just the right hint of spice.

400g / 14oz orecchiette pasta: Its distinctive shape makes it ideal for holding sauce, elevating every mouthful.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a fragrant, fruity base to sauté the garlic and sausage.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
500g / 1lb Italian chicken sausages: Squeezed out of their casings, they provide savory, rich meatiness.
1/4 cup water: Helps deglaze the pan and lift those delicious golden bits into the sauce.
1 cup tomato passata: Creates a bright and tangy tomato base for the creamy sauce.
3/4 cup cream (heavy or thickened): Adds decadence and smoothness that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
3/4 cup milk (any fat %): Lightens the cream to a perfect, silky texture.
1/3 cup parmesan, finely grated: Intensifies the umami and ties all the flavors together.
1 tsp Italian herbs: A fragrant mix that enhances the Italian essence of the dish.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick without overpowering the sauce.
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out every flavor.
3 cups kale leaves, torn into bite-size pieces: Adds vibrant color, a slight bitterness, and nutritious greens (feel free to swap with spinach or chard).
Parmesan, for serving: A final sprinkle of savory cheese to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Recchiette Sausage Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette according to the package directions but remember to take it off the heat one minute early—this ensures your pasta remains perfectly al dente, wearing just enough bite to hold up to the luscious sauce. Before draining, scoop out one cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s going to be your secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sausage

In a large skillet over high heat, warm the olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it briefly—just about 15 seconds—until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add the sausage meat, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. Cook until golden little bits form–those are packed with flavor and will add scrumptious depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the quarter cup of water, using your utensil to scrape up all those golden, tasty bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. Let the water evaporate, leaving all that flavor in the pan. Next, stir in the tomato passata, cream, milk, finely grated parmesan, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for two minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Greens

Now, introduce the cooked orecchiette and the kale leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together for about a minute, ensuring the pasta is cozily coated in the creamy tomato sauce. The sauce will thicken as it clings to the pasta, so keep some of that reserved pasta water close to loosen it up if needed. Your dish is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Recchiette Sausage Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows two white bowls filled with cooked pasta, featuring small, curved shapes coated in a creamy orange sauce mixed with pieces of green leafy vegetables and bits of browned meat. Each bowl is topped with a sprinkle of finely grated white cheese. A silver spoon is scooping some pasta from the bowl in the front, resting on a textured dark grey cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, sharp contrast to the creamy sauce, while a few flakes of red pepper can add an inviting pop of color and subtle heat. For a fresh burst, consider a handful of torn basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands tall on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a simple baguette is also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with kale chips for added texture. Alternatively, plate the pasta onto warmed plates and quickly broil with extra parmesan on top for a golden crust. It’s an experience that turns an everyday meal into something truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce thickens over time, so give it a good stir and add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive its creamy smoothness before reheating.

Freezing

This creamy pasta freezes well, although the texture of the kale may soften. For best results, freeze the cooked pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, and add small amounts of milk or pasta water as needed. Microwaving is convenient but works best if you stir the pasta halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta instead of orecchiette?

Absolutely! While orecchiette’s cup shape is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli can be great alternatives. Just choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well to keep that tasty experience intact.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the Italian chicken sausages with your favorite plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. The creamy tomato sauce will still shine beautifully.

Can I use regular cream or milk substitutes?

You can use most cream and milk substitutes, like coconut cream or almond milk, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly. Heavy cream helps achieve that rich, indulgent sauce.

How spicy is the dish?

This recipe uses just a touch of red pepper flakes to add warmth without overwhelming heat. If you prefer it milder, feel free to reduce or omit the flakes; for more spice, increase them to taste.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit of reserved pasta cooking water or milk a little at a time. This liquid loosens the sauce while helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Recchiette Sausage Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, rich, and full of bold Italian flavors that you can whip up anytime. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that impresses without stress. So don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own; I promise this creamy sausage pasta will become one of your go-to favorites!