Orecchiette Recipes - Make Perfect Pasta Dinners with Orecchiette
Orecchiette, meaning ‘little ears’ in Italian, is a small, dome-shaped pasta that’s perfect for catching sauces and hearty ingredients. Discover delicious orecchiette pasta recipes below.
Discover Orecchiette Recipes from HelloFresh
Orecchiette Pasta Recipes
From quick weeknight dinners to cosy weekend dishes, these orecchiette recipes make the most of the pasta’s signature “little ear” shape that holds hearty sauces beautifully.
Further Orecchiette Pasta Recipes
Easy Orecchiette Pasta Recipes
Find quick and easy orecchiette pasta recipes perfect for busy weeknights — simple to cook, packed with flavour, and made to hold every drop of your favourite sauce.Further Easy Orecchiette Pasta Recipes
Orecchiette Recipes: Tips & Inspiration
Orecchiette Pasta Recipes FAQ
How do you pronounce orecchiette?
Orecchiette is pronounced oh-rek-kee-ET-tay, with a gentle roll on the ‘r’ just like in Italian.
How long do you cook orecchiette pasta?
Orecchiette usually cooks in 9 to 12 minutes, though times can vary slightly. Always check the packet and taste a piece to ensure it’s al dente.
How much dry orecchiette should I serve per person?
A good guide is 75–100 grams of dry orecchiette per person — closer to 75g for lighter meals or up to 100g for heartier dinners.
Is orecchiette gluten free?
Traditional orecchiette is made from durum wheat semolina, so it’s not gluten free. However, gluten-free versions are available in some Aussie supermarkets. HelloFresh orecchiette does contain gluten.
What can I substitute for orecchiette?
If you can’t find orecchiette, use small pasta shapes like conchiglie (shells), cavatelli or fusilli — they all hold sauce well and give a similar bite.
What does orecchiette mean?
Orecchiette means ‘little ears’ in Italian, a name inspired by the pasta’s small, rounded shape that’s perfect for catching sauces.
What does orecchiette taste like?
Orecchiette has a mild, slightly chewy texture that makes it ideal for rich, saucy dishes and hearty Mediterranean-style meals.
What is orecchiette pasta made from?
Traditional orecchiette is made simply from durum wheat semolina and water, giving it a firm texture that holds up beautifully in cooking.
Can you use orecchiette in soup?
Yes, orecchiette works wonderfully in soups — especially chunky veggie, bean or minestrone-style broths where the pasta holds bits of flavour.
How do I stop orecchiette from sticking together?
To stop orecchiette from sticking, use plenty of water, stir occasionally while boiling, and add a drizzle of olive oil once drained.
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