Orecchiette with zucchini, sausage and SMOKED

Here’s a delicious and rustic recipe for Orecchiette with Zucchini, Sausage, and Smoked Mozzarella – a comforting pasta dish with melty, smoky cheese, savory sausage, and tender zucchini.

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🍝 Orecchiette with Zucchini, Sausage, and Smoked Mozzarella

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 12 oz orecchiette pasta

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

• 2 medium zucchinis, halved and sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup white wine or pasta water

• 1 cup smoked mozzarella, diced or shredded

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Boil orecchiette in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook sausage:

   • While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Add zucchini:

   • Add garlic and zucchini to the sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until zucchini is tender and lightly golden.

   • Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

   • Deglaze with wine or a splash of pasta water to lift the browned bits.

4. Combine:

   • Add drained orecchiette to the pan and toss everything together.

   • Stir in Parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

5. Add smoked mozzarella:

   • Turn off the heat and gently fold in smoked mozzarella cubes. Let them melt slightly but not completely disappear.

6. Serve:

   • Drizzle with remaining olive oil, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

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Would you like this turned into a baked pasta casserole version or made lighter (e.g., with turkey sausage)?