Description
This rich and flavorful Sausage Nduja Pasta combines spicy ‘Nduja sausage with a creamy Parmesan sauce, tossed with your choice of penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
Sauce and Sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) ‘Nduja sausage (or substitute spicy Italian sausage or chorizo)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a 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 the pasta is cooking, heat the 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 the fat releases. If using a substitute sausage, cook until browned and crumbly.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional): Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the wine reduce for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the sausage and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan into the sauce until it melts smoothly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with some reserved pasta water to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the creamy sausage sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
- Garnish: Serve the pasta with extra Parmesan cheese and sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top.
Notes
- If you can’t find ‘Nduja sausage, spicy Italian sausage or chorizo make excellent substitutes.
- White wine is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce variation.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency easily.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten up the dish and add color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
