Orecchiette with Spinach and Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in orecchiette and return to a boil. Cook uncovered stirring occasionally until tender still firm to the bite about 12 minutes.

Place spinach in a large colander. Scoop out 1 cup pasta cooking water and reserve. Drain pasta in the colander wilting the spinach.

Roll turkey sausage meat into 20 to 30 balls.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook turning occasionally until browned and no longer pink in the center 5 to 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Pour off any drippings left in the skillet. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic salt and red pepper flakes until fragrant about 1 minute. Add cooked pasta spinach and meatballs to the skillet.

Whisk reserved pasta water and egg together in a small bowl. Stir into the skillet until sauce thickens slightly 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide pasta among bowls. Sprinkle with ricotta salata cheese and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.