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
- 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.