If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and packed with a spicy kick, the Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs tonight. This vibrant Italian-inspired dish combines the fiery and aromatic flavors of ‘nduja sausage with tender pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in comfort food for one, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory depth that will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry essentials and fresh staples that come together beautifully to create the ultimate flavor profile. Each one plays a crucial role, from the spicy ‘nduja bringing incredible heat and texture, to the creamy Parmesan adding a rich, cheesy finish.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to hold all that flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the sausage evenly.
- 8 oz ‘nduja sausage: This spicy, spreadable sausage is the star, but spicy Italian sausage or chorizo make great substitutes if needed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Boosts the heat for those who like it fiery.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional): Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor when deglazing the pan.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious base of the sauce; swap with half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for richness and a savory bite, plus extra for serving.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a little bite to it. Before draining, don’t forget to save about one cup of that starchy pasta water — it’s a secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta is bubbling away, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ‘nduja sausage and gently break it apart with a spoon. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it crisps up slightly and releases those incredible smoky, spicy oils—this is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic’s aroma combined with the flakes’ heat perfectly complements the rich, spicy sausage flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine (Optional)
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those wonderful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step creates a lovely depth of flavor but feel free to skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Let the wine simmer and cook off for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing it thoroughly with the sausage. Let the sauce gently thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, enveloping every bit of flavor into a silky, comfy blanket of creaminess.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts seamlessly into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick at this point, slowly stir in some reserved pasta water to reach your ideal sauce texture.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating every piece in that dreamy, spicy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling perfectly to every noodle.
Step 8: Season and Finish
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Finish by serving your Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a fresh garnish of chopped basil or parsley. Get ready for an explosion of flavor!
How to Serve Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley are kindness to this dish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Don’t skip the extra Parmesan sprinkle—it intensifies the cheesy goodness and invites everyone to dive in.
Side Dishes
This spicy, creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty garlic bread is another perfect side to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets to keep it warm and create a rustic vibe. You can also scatter toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes over the top for some extra crunch and kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next day’s meal even more delicious. Just be sure to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with fresh herbs on top—add those after thawing and reheating for the best flavor.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving for a better texture and consistent heat distribution.
FAQs
What is ‘nduja sausage?
‘Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage from Calabria, Italy, known for its fiery flavor and soft texture. It’s the heart of this recipe, delivering a wonderful kick and richness.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love or have on hand.
Is the white wine necessary?
The white wine adds a lovely depth and tang, but you can skip it if you prefer an alcohol-free dish. Just deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or water instead.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat mainly comes from the ‘nduja and optional red pepper flakes. If you want to tone down the spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and choose a milder sausage substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based version, consider using a spicy vegan sausage alternative and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, plus a vegan Parmesan substitute. The flavors won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Embrace the bold, spicy, and creamy delight that is the Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe and make it your go-to weeknight comfort food. It’s quick, packed with layers of flavor, and promises a satisfying meal every single time. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will soon become one of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family!
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Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Sausage Nduja Pasta is a flavorful and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring spicy ‘nduja sausage cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce with garlic, white wine, and pasta. This quick and easy recipe combines spicy, savory, and creamy elements to create a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners that takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) ‘Nduja sausage (or substitute with spicy Italian sausage or chorizo)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook the Sausage: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the ‘nduja sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 3-4 minutes until slightly crispy and fat is released. If using substitute sausage, cook until browned and crumbly.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional): Pour in white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Let wine cook off for 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Lower heat and add heavy cream. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for even coating.
- Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta with extra Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute ‘nduja sausage with spicy Italian sausage or chorizo if unavailable.
- White wine adds depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
