Check out 11 of our favorite orecchiette pasta recipes, from quick and easy Classic Minestrone Soup to comforting One-Pot French Onion Pasta.
Orecchiette (ora-ketti) is a fun shape that makes a tiny bowl that holds all the sauce. Here’s our curated list of some really delightful Orecchiette Pasta recipes. See one you like? Find the number and click through on the name of the recipe. You’re all set!
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Do you know those times when you’re just craving something fresh and light?Like a Caprese salad—but better? And you want it to be easy enough to make on a weeknight but fancy enough for guests?
With this dish, you get all the classic flavors of Caprese salad—fresh mozzarella, juicy grape tomatoes, and creamy pesto—but with a twist that makes it feel like you’re getting away with something.
The pesto is made from scratch (I think it’s ok to replace the pesto recipe with a jar of your favorite pesto sauce, though), and the roasted grape tomatoes have their natural sweetness. Toss everything together with cooked orecchiette pasta, and voila! You’ve got a simple meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What’s better than French onion soup? French onion soup, but in pasta form.
This one-pot pasta dish from 12 Tomatoes is as rich, flavorful, and satisfying as French onion soup, but it’s a little more versatile. And it doesn’t take hours to make. It’s got that sweet caramelized onion taste that you love in French onion soup. But it also has a little balsamic vinegar, beef broth, and cream—all of which combine to make a tasty and savory sauce for your pasta.
Plus that rich cheese pull that makes French onion soup so memorable.
This hearty vegetable soup is a classic. The tomatoes are sweet, the beans are nutty and earthy, the potatoes are soft (but not mushy), and the spinach adds just enough freshness to balance out all that richness.
Throw everything together in one pot and let it simmer until it’s ready.
Comforting and flavorful, this orecchiette dinner isn’t as much saucy as it is hearty. The red pepper flakes also lend spice to this dish (scale it back if you like less heat),
Bruschetta Chicken Orecchiette Pasta is a fresh, vibrant dish that’ll have you saying, “Oh, yeah!” First, you’ll want to start with tender chicken breasts. They’ll get coated in a strong fruity, tart, and juicy balsamic vinegar sauce.
You’ll also get a mixture of the most refreshing ingredients you’ve ever tried: fresh Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and red onion for just the right amount of crunch. Finally, top it with cheese and herbs for garnish.
There are three words to describe orecchiette sausage pasta in creamy tomato sauce: rich, decadent, and creamy. And this pasta dish is so packed with flavor that you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a restaurant in the middle of Florence. Recipe Tin Eats is a blog with a master recipe developer; she rarely lets our tastebuds down.
The creamy tomato sauce is made with milk and cream, garlic for some added zing, Italian herbs for that distinct flavor profile, and Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
This stunning pasta combines salty, salt-cured pancetta with sweet peas and buttery orecchiette for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and a generous dusting of Parmesan, it’s a versatile “fancy-meets-simple” meal perfect for any occasion.
Get all the savory, cheesy satisfaction of lasagna without the labor. This bake tosses orecchiette in a creamy, herb-packed tomato and double-cheese sauce for a “paradise on a fork” experience. It’s the ultimate flexible weeknight dinner: feel free to load it with spinach, swap in your favorite seasonal veggies, or skip the greens entirely for a meatier finish.
Or, if you don’t have any vegetables on hand at all (no worries!), just substitute something else (like more meat) instead.
Experience a dish where every ingredient has a purpose. Sweet roasted squash and smoky bacon meet the earthy char of broccoli and a delicate, citrusy lift from white wine. Finished with buttery pine nuts and savory Parmesan, this pasta is a masterclass in contrasting flavors and textures.
Oooh, you’ve got to try this one from Adventures in Cooking! Orecchiette pasta with chicken in a creamy, herby lemon sauce is thick and decadent! Chicken broth, milk, lemon juice, and cheese, while rosemary completes the package with its earthy, herbal goodness.
Here is the adventurous yet comforting dish you’ll want on rotation. This “little ear” pasta is the perfect vessel for a luscious, smoky vodka sauce, catching every drop of the creamy tomato blend. Paired with tender, succulent shrimp, this dish strikes the ultimate balance between refreshing brightness and rich, decadent texture.
The bottom line
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, there’s an orecchiette dish here for every mood. These recipes are your toolkit for becoming a pasta master in your own kitchen. Pick your favorite, grab your apron, and enjoy the process. Happy cooking!
