Orecchiette with Salsa Verde Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Italian Dish

Orecchiette with salsa verde is a simple yet flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. This dish combines orecchiette pasta, which is shaped like little ears, with a bright and zesty salsa verde, a tangy green sauce made with herbs, capers, and garlic. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to prepare but packs a punch of flavor, perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal with friends and family. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal!

Ingredients for Orecchiette with Salsa Verde

For the pasta:

• 250 grams orecchiette pasta
• Salt, for the pasta water

For the salsa verde:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin for best taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh basil (optional)

Preparation of Orecchiette with Salsa Verde

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water is boiling, add salt and the orecchiette pasta. Cook according to the package instructions (usually about 9-11 minutes) until the pasta is al dente. Once done, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Make the salsa verde: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salsa verde. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped parsley, capers, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and has a sauce-like consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
3. Combine pasta and salsa verde: After draining the pasta, return it to the pot or a large pan. Pour the salsa verde over the pasta, tossing everything together so the pasta is well coated in the vibrant green sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere better and to create a smoother texture.
4. Serve: Once the pasta is evenly coated, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve the orecchiette warm with a drizzle of olive oil on top and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Tips for Making Orecchiette with Salsa Verde

• Use fresh herbs: The key to a flavorful salsa verde is fresh herbs. Be sure to use fresh parsley, and if you like, add some fresh basil or mint for a little extra flavor.
• Adjust the tang: If you prefer a more tangy salsa verde, you can add extra lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
• Add protein: You can add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables to make the dish more filling if you like.

Orecchiette with salsa verde is a fresh, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a simple yet flavorful Italian recipe. The combination of orecchiette pasta and the zesty salsa verde creates a delightful meal that’s sure to be a hit every time. This recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and a great way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients!

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