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Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Cook the Sausage: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): Pour in white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Let wine cook off for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Make the Sauce: Lower heat and add heavy cream. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. 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.