ORECCHIETTE WITH CLAMS, SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS

Orecchiette with Clams, Sausage and Peppers image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

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Kosher salt
1 pound orecchiette
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces hot Italian sausage, casings removed
3 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed well
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a separate large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and crumbled, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the clams and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook, removing the clams to a bowl as they open, 5 to 8 minutes. Discard any unopened clams.
Add the pasta, 3/4 cup reserved cooking water, the roasted red peppers and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Simmer, stirring, until the liquid is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes, adding more cooking water as needed; season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the parsley. Add the clams and gently toss.