Orecchiette and White Wine Sauce: A Comforting Pasta Recipe with Ground Veal and Spinach
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that feels elegant but is easy enough for a weeknight, this Orecchiette and White Wine Sauce recipe will become your new favorite. With tender ground veal, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan cheese all simmered in a rich white wine and beef broth reduction, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour.
Why Orecchiette?
Orecchiette, meaning “little ears” in Italian, is the perfect pasta shape for capturing sauce in every bite. Its cup-like structure holds the meaty veal mixture beautifully, making each mouthful a balance of pasta, sauce, and seasoning. This dish proves that pasta shape really does make a difference.
A Simple Yet Flavorful White Wine Sauce
What makes this dish stand out is the white wine sauce — enhanced with garlic, onions, red pepper flakes, and a medley of herbs like Italian seasoning and fennel. Combined with beef stock and a bit of reserved pasta water, it creates a silky, savory base that coats the orecchiette perfectly. Pair this orecchiette dish with the same white wine used in the sauce or a crisp green salad for balance. A slice of crusty bread also works wonders to mop up the flavorful sauce. Our friend Souffle Bombay created this beautiful pasta for us, read her full post for more tips and tricks!
Notes:
- Pasta Water Tip: If you forget to reserve pasta water, substitute with extra wine, broth, or even a splash of hot water.
- Make It Creamier: For a richer version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter before serving.
- Wine-Free Option: Omit the wine and use additional broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.