Mama Roe’s Festa Italiana Highlight: “The Big Gina” Pasta Recipe!
Festa Italiana is heating up, and our very own Mama Roe is there representing Mama Roe’s Italian Specialties! While you can stop by her booth in downtown Apex today to meet the culinary star, she’s also sharing her celebrated “THE BIG GINA” pasta recipe for everyone to enjoy at home. This simple yet satisfying dish features Orecchiette with Italian sausage, spinach, and ricotta, embodying true Italian comfort.
Here’s how you can create Mama Roe’s “THE BIG GINA” in your own kitchen:
Mama Roe’s “THE BIG GINA” Recipe
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Ingredients:
- 1 lb Orecchiette Pasta
- 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 cups chicken broth
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- Healthy dollop of ricotta (added just before serving)
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the Orecchiette pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Prepare Sausage Mixture: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage along with the chopped garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until it is browned.
- Add Broth and Spinach: Slowly add 1 to 2 cups of chicken broth to the sausage mixture. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the baby spinach.
- Finish Mixture: Cook, stirring for about 3 minutes, just until the sausage is fully cooked and the spinach is wilted.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta with the sausage and spinach mixture. Plate immediately and add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese to the top of each serving. Serve hot.
Mama Roe (the heart and soul behind Morrisville’s beloved Georgina’s Restaurant and Pizzeria) expanded her passion for Italian food by launching Mama Roe’s Italian Specialties in 2021. This venture brings her cherished family recipes, including savory Marinara Sauce, creamy Vodka Sauce, unique Balsamic Dressing, and delightful Handmade Meatballs, directly to your home.
Don’t forget to visit Mama Roe’s booth at Festa Italiana to experience more of her delicious offerings and bring home some of her locally crafted Italian food products!
