Spicy Nduja Pasta Recipe to Ignite your Culinary Passion

Introduction

Nduja pasta, a dish hailing from the Calabria region of Italy, is a fiery and flavorful delight for those who enjoy a hint of spice in their meals. This dish features nduja, a soft and spicy pork sausage that adds a rich and intense flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply seeking to explore new flavors, this nduja pasta recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delectable nduja pasta:

• 1 pound dried pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 oz nduja sausage
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a sensational nduja pasta dish:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are softened and aromatic.
3. Add the nduja sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Allow the sausage to release its flavors and brown slightly.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the sausage, onion, and garlic mixture. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, and season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the savory nduja sauce until the pasta is well coated.
7. Once everything is heated through, serve the nduja pasta in individual dishes, garnishing each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves.

FAQ

Q: What is nduja?

Nduja is a spreadable spicy sausage, typically made with pork, peppers, and a variety of spices. It originates from the Calabria region of Italy and is known for its intense flavor and fiery kick.

Q: Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the nduja pasta?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer a milder spice, you can use less nduja in the recipe or balance it out with a bit more heavy cream to soften the heat. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of fiery flavors, feel free to increase the amount of nduja for an extra kick.

Q: What type of pasta works best with nduja sauce?

A: Pasta shapes that can hold up to the robust nduja sauce, such as rigatoni, penne, or fusilli, work wonderfully. Their nooks and crannies allow the sauce to cling to the pasta, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor.

Q: Can I make nduja pasta ahead of time?

A: While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply reheat the sauce on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Q: Is nduja pasta suitable for vegetarians?

A: Traditional nduja is made with pork, but there are vegetarian versions available that use plant-based ingredients. If you’re looking to create a vegetarian nduja pasta, seek out a meat-free nduja alternative to enjoy the flavors of this dish without the meat.