Easy Orecchiette Florentine: Your New Favorite 15-Minute Chicken Pasta Dinner

Sometimes, the most delicious and satisfying meals are born out of unexpected circumstances. This incredible Hearty Orecchiette Florentine is a perfect example! What started as a frantic attempt to salvage dinner after a forgotten grocery item quickly transformed into a family favorite that everyone raved about. Combining the unique ‘small ear’ pasta with tender chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, nutrient-rich spinach, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, this dish delivers rich Italian-style flavors in a fraction of the time you’d expect. It’s a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight, proving that even kitchen mishaps can lead to culinary masterpieces.

Tonight’s dinner was originally planned to be Chicken Marsala, but a moment of distraction at the grocery store led me to forget the crucial mushrooms. Unwilling to make another trip, I decided to get creative with what I already had on hand. My pantry and freezer offered a treasure trove: a box of orecchiette pasta, a jar of flavorful roasted red peppers, pre-cooked grilled chicken from the freezer, a trusty onion, some turkey bacon, a jar of creamy Alfredo sauce, and a bag of baby spinach destined for a salad. With these simple ingredients, a new culinary star was born: Easy Orecchiette Florentine. This dish proved to be a super easy, incredibly quick 15-minute meal that everyone absolutely loved, earning its name by popular vote!

What Makes Orecchiette Pasta So Special?

You might not be intimately familiar with orecchiette pasta, but it’s a shape that truly deserves your attention and is worth seeking out. Literally translating to “small ear” in Italian, this pasta’s distinctive shape perfectly reflects its name. Originating from the Puglia region of Italy, orecchiette is a thick-cut, roundish pasta with a charming depression in the center. Some versions feature subtle ridges, while others are smooth, but all share that characteristic indent and a slightly thinner center compared to their hearty edges.

This unique shape isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s highly functional! Orecchiette is ideal for dishes where the pasta acts as a vessel, expertly “cupping” and holding onto rich sauces and small bits of ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. In our Easy Orecchiette Florentine, it does a magnificent job of capturing the creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach and roasted red peppers, making it a central and satisfying component of the meal. Its robust texture also stands up well to heartier ingredients without becoming mushy, providing a delightful chew.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Orecchiette Florentine Recipe

Beyond its accidental origin, there are countless reasons why this Easy Orecchiette Florentine is poised to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation:

• Unbeatable Speed: This truly is a 15-minute meal from start to finish. With most ingredients being pre-cooked or quick-prep, you’ll have a gourmet-tasting dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout.
• Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of savory chicken, smoky turkey bacon, sweet roasted red peppers, and creamy Alfredo sauce creates a rich, well-balanced, and utterly delicious experience. The fresh spinach adds a touch of earthiness and vibrant color.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have many of these ingredients in your pantry or freezer already. No obscure specialty items are required, making this a budget-friendly and accessible meal.
• Family-Friendly: Pasta dishes are almost universally loved, and this one is no exception. It’s hearty enough to satisfy adults and appealing enough for even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile & Adaptable: While the recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly forgiving. Don’t have chicken? Try shrimp or omit meat for a vegetarian version. Swap in other vegetables like mushrooms (if you remember them!), broccoli, or peas.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together in one large pan (after the pasta is cooked), which means fewer dishes to wash at the end of a busy day.

This Orecchiette Florentine isn’t just easy; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can combine to create something truly spectacular. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you crave comfort food but are short on time and energy.

Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Swaps

Let’s take a closer look at the key components of this delightful dish and how you can tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Orecchiette Pasta: As discussed, its “ear-like” shape is perfect for cradling the sauce and other ingredients. If you can’t find orecchiette, shell pasta is an excellent substitute, offering a similar ability to hold sauce. Other small, sturdy pasta shapes like cavatappi or campanelle could also work in a pinch. Don’t be afraid to explore your pasta aisle!
• Cooked Chicken: This is a major time-saver! Leftover grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked chicken strips from the freezer work wonderfully. If starting with raw chicken, simply sauté diced chicken breast or thighs in a separate pan before adding it to the dish, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
• Roasted Red Bell Peppers: These jarred gems add a fantastic smoky sweetness and a pop of vibrant color. They are soft and tender, blending seamlessly into the creamy sauce. If you prefer, you can roast your own red peppers at home, but the jarred variety is incredibly convenient and just as delicious for this recipe. Fresh bell peppers can be used but will add a different, crisper texture.
• Baby Spinach: A whole bag of baby spinach might look like a lot, but it wilts down significantly, adding nutritional value and a lovely freshness without overpowering the dish. Fresh spinach is recommended for its quick wilting properties. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding.
• Alfredo Sauce: A jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce is the ultimate shortcut to a rich, creamy base. Choose a good quality brand for the best flavor. For a lighter touch, you could use a white wine or garlic butter sauce, or even make a quick homemade Alfredo if you have the time, using butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
• Onion & Turkey Bacon: These two create the aromatic foundation for the dish. Sautéing them together builds layers of savory flavor. Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative, but regular bacon would also be incredibly delicious, adding extra richness.
• Butter: Used for sautéing the onion and bacon, it adds a foundational richness to the dish. Olive oil can be used as a substitute if preferred.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan at the end adds a salty, umami finish that truly elevates the dish. Always opt for freshly grated over pre-shredded for superior flavor and melt.

Feel free to experiment with these ingredients to make this Orecchiette Florentine truly your own!

Recipe

Easy Orecchiette Florentine

Hearty orecchiette pasta combines with chicken, roasted red peppers, spinach, and Alfredo sauce for a satisfying Italian-style meal.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 561

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked & chopped (or regular bacon)
• 12 oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and sliced
• 1 lb bag orecchiette pasta
• 1-½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 bag baby spinach, 5-6 oz
• 15 oz jar Alfredo sauce
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and chopped turkey bacon to the pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender (about 5-7 minutes) and the bacon is lightly crispy.
3. To the pan with the onion and bacon, add the drained and sliced roasted red bell peppers, the cooked chicken, and the entire bag of baby spinach. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the spinach has completely wilted down, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes.
4. By now, your pasta should be perfectly cooked. Once drained, add the cooked orecchiette directly to the skillet with the vegetables and chicken.
5. Pour the entire jar of Alfredo sauce over all the ingredients in the pan. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
6. Heat the mixture through for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to warm and meld with all the flavors. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately for the best experience.

Notes

If you don’t have orecchiette pasta readily available, shell pasta is an excellent alternative due to its similar shape for catching sauce. However, orecchiette is truly worth searching out for its unique texture and ability to hold flavors. Many well-stocked grocery stores, including chains like Lidl and Aldi, often carry it, and even larger retailers like Walmart sometimes stock it under their own brands (e.g., Sam’s Choice).

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 561 cal
Carbohydrates: 64 g
Protein: 27 g
Fat: 21 g
Sodium: 1643 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Net Carbohydrates: 60 g

Serving Suggestions & Expert Tips for Success

This Easy Orecchiette Florentine is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dinner experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a perfect complement, cutting through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Options like steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a fresh, healthy crunch. Their mild flavors allow the pasta to shine.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Essential for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce! A warm, crusty bread makes the meal feel even more complete.
• Yogurt or Cottage Cheese with Fruit: For a lighter, more balanced approach, consider this as a side or a simple dessert.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted until tender-crisp, it provides an elegant and flavorful side.

Tips for the Perfect Orecchiette Florentine:

• Al Dente Pasta is Key: Ensure your orecchiette is cooked to al dente – firm to the bite. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce and ingredients, so avoid overcooking in the initial stage.
• Drain Pasta Thoroughly: Excess water can dilute your Alfredo sauce. Make sure the pasta is well-drained before adding it to the skillet.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the onions, bacon, and later adding other ingredients, use a large enough skillet to allow everything to cook evenly and prevent steaming.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember that Alfredo sauce and bacon can already contribute a good amount of sodium.
• Fresh Parmesan Makes a Difference: While pre-grated cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan has a superior flavor and melts much better into the dish.
• Leftovers & Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, as pasta dishes tend to absorb liquid upon cooling. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Conclusion: A New Weeknight Winner

This Easy Orecchiette Florentine recipe is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, a little creativity, and minimal effort can result in a profoundly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy parent looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-approved dish, this chicken pasta with roasted red peppers and spinach in a creamy Alfredo sauce is an absolute must-try. Its rich flavors, hearty texture, and impressive speed make it a true weeknight winner. Give it a try tonight – you might just find your new go-to pasta dish!