Name: Orecchiette Pasta with Salami
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1/4 cup garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 16 ounces dry orecchiette pasta (or penne pasta); 1/4 pound Genoa Salami, sliced thin, julienned; 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, skinned, cored, and cut into strips; 8 ounces fresh baby spinach; 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts; 2 leaves fresh basil, julienned; 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano; Fresh ground black pepper to taste

A symphony of flavors and textures! This orecchiette pasta dish features the savory richness of Genoa salami, the sweetness of roasted red peppers, and the freshness of baby spinach and basil, all brought together by the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts. A true celebration of Italian-inspired cuisine.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Gently roast the garlic: In a small pot, combine the garlic cloves with extra virgin olive oil. Cook over the lowest heat possible until the garlic is incredibly soft and yielding. (Approximately 20-25 minutes). Allow to cool in the oil; reserve the infused oil.

02

Step

Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta until al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite. (Approximately 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.

03

Step

Sauté and combine: In a large sauté pan, heat the garlic-infused oil over medium heat. Add the Genoa salami and sauté until lightly browned and crisp. Add the roasted red peppers, spinach, and roasted garlic. Cook until the spinach is wilted. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and fresh basil. Toss to combine and continue to sauté until the pasta is heated through. (Approximately 5-7 minutes).

04

Step

Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates or a serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and the remaining toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil while sautéing.
If you don't have time to roast your own red peppers, jarred roasted red peppers can be used as a convenient substitute. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to the dish.
Pecorino Romano cheese provides a salty and sharp counterpoint to the other ingredients. Parmesan cheese can be substituted in a pinch.
The key to a perfect pasta dish is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its texture.
Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of garlic to your personal preference. Some people love a strong garlic flavor, while others prefer a more subtle taste.