Orecchiette with Sausage

Directions

1. Step 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Step 2

   While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage (casing removed) and break it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.

3. Step 3

   Add chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Step 4

   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

5. Step 5

   Add the drained orecchiette pasta to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Toss to combine.

6. Step 6

   Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.