Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Pasta alla Norcina Recipe

Introduction

Pasta alla Norcina is a traditional Italian dish originating from the town of Norcia in the Umbria region of Italy. This rich and hearty pasta dish combines Italian pork sausage with cream, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a taste of Italy.

Ingredients

To make Pasta alla Norcina, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) pasta of your choice
• 8 ounces (225g) Italian pork sausage
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make Pasta alla Norcina:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the skillet. Break up the sausage with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Sauté the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sausage and cook until they are golden brown and most of the moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, then add the cooked pasta and cooked sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and garnish: Transfer the Pasta alla Norcina to serving plates or bowls. Top with the sautéed mushrooms and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pasta alla Norcina:

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Absolutely! While this recipe traditionally calls for a long pasta like tagliatelle or fettuccine, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle would work well too.

• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
  Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also omit the sausage altogether and add extra mushrooms or other vegetables for added flavor.

• Can I freeze the leftovers?
  Pasta alla Norcina is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the cream sauce may separate when reheated.

• What can I serve with Pasta alla Norcina?
  This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs nicely with the flavors of the dish as well.

• Can I use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives?
  You can use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives for the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the dish may be slightly different.

Now that you have the recipe for Pasta alla Norcina, give it a try and enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home. Buon appetito!