Skip to main content

Orecchiette Recipes

Orecchiette, meaning ‘little ears’ in Italian, is a small, dome-shaped pasta that’s perfect for catching sauces and hearty ingredients. Discover our delicious orecchiette pasta recipes below.

Get inspired

What is Orecchiette?

What is Orecchiette?

Orecchiette is a traditional pasta from the Puglia region of southern Italy, named for its distinctive ‘little ear’ shape. Made from just semolina flour and water, its slightly domed centre and rough texture make it ideal for holding onto thick sauces, vegetables, and meats. Often used in rustic, hearty dishes, orecchiette pairs beautifully with everything from broccoli and sausage to creamy tomato sauces, slow-cooked ragus, and roasted vegetables. It also works well in lighter meals such as fresh pasta salads with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, or tossed with lemony greens and pulses for a nutritious lunch. Its versatility makes it a staple worth keeping in your cupboard for whenever you fancy a delicious Italian recipe.

What to Serve with Orecchiette Pasta

What to Serve with Orecchiette Pasta

Orecchiette pairs with a range of ingredients to suit any season or occasion. One of the most famous dishes is orecchiette with pork and broccoli, a southern Italian favourite that combines pork sausage with the broccoli for an indulgent yet well-balanced meal. The pasta’s shape makes it ideal for catching crumbled sausage, garlicky olive oil, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes. It also works well with creamy cheeses like ricotta or burrata, or tossed into fresh herbs and lemon. Orechhiette is one of the best pasta recipes for holding sauces and ingredients so whatever you choose to pair, be sure it’s a favourite!

Enjoy hassle-free home-cooked meals with HelloFresh

Enjoy hassle-free home-cooked meals with HelloFresh

Order today and get 50% off your first box and a free KitchenAid Mini Chopper on your third!

Order HelloFresh