Sausage Nduja Pasta

If you love pasta with a little bit of spice, bold flavors, and a creamy twist, you’ve just found your new favorite dish: Sausage Nduja Pasta! This pasta is like a flavor explosion on your taste buds—rich, smoky sausage, a subtle heat from nduja (a spreadable, spicy Italian sausage), and a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Seriously, this recipe is comfort food at its finest, with a touch of sophistication that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, when you dive into this dish, you’ll feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian trattoria. Let’s get cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!, because this dish is about to steal the show!

Why You’ll Love Sausage Nduja Pasta

This isn’t just your average pasta—it’s a rich, flavorful, and hearty dish that will quickly become a weeknight go-to or a special occasion treat. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

• Bold, Flavorful Sauce: The nduja adds a kick of heat, while the sausage brings savory richness. It’s like a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and savory—one bite and you’re hooked.
• Creamy, Dreamy Goodness: The sauce has a velvety smooth texture thanks to the addition of cream, which perfectly complements the boldness of the nduja.
• Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet flavor, this recipe is straightforward and easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive but not complicated.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This pasta is filling and comforting, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or when you need a little indulgence.
• Impressive: Serve this dish to friends or family, and they’ll think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s that good!

Ingredients

For this Sausage Nduja Pasta, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, but you can use whatever pasta shape you like best.
• Nduja: This spreadable, spicy Italian sausage is the star of the dish. It adds incredible depth and flavor with just a little bit.
• Sausage: Italian sausage (preferably sweet or spicy depending on your preference) is the perfect match for the nduja.
• Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, balancing the heat and spice of the nduja.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic bring in that aromatic, savory depth that makes the sauce so irresistible.
• Parmesan Cheese: A good handful of freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish to the dish.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and garlic, olive oil is key to getting everything perfectly cooked.
• Crushed Tomatoes: For a bit of tang and sweetness to complement the richness of the sausage and nduja.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like things extra spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for that added heat.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this mouth-watering dish? Here’s how you make it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Remove the sausage from its casing (if using links) and crumble it into the pan. Sauté the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Nduja and Tomatoes

1. Stir in the nduja, breaking it up with your spoon so it can melt into the sausage and oil. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s fully incorporated.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sausage and nduja sauce. You can add more pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up.
2. Sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine, letting the cheese melt into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.

How to Serve Sausage Nduja Pasta

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal even more:

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with arugula or mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of bold red wine, like a Chianti or Zinfandel, pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 570
Total Fat: 35g

• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 60mg
  Sodium: 800mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 43g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
  Protein: 23g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 12%
  Calcium: 20%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Additional Tips

• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your liking! If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Pasta Options: Feel free to switch up the pasta! Fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti are all great options to pair with this creamy sauce.
• Extra Creamy: If you want an even richer sauce, add a little extra cream or a splash of milk to increase the creaminess.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A1: Absolutely! You can use sweet Italian sausage or even chicken sausage. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Q2: How can I make this recipe less spicy?
A2: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of nduja or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also use sweet sausage instead of spicy sausage.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the sausage sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze Sausage Nduja Pasta?
A4: It’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat and serve with freshly cooked pasta.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A5: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini would be great additions to this dish. Just sauté them with the sausage and garlic.

Q6: What can I use if I can’t find nduja?
A6: If you can’t find nduja, you can substitute with spicy chorizo or another type of spicy sausage. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still give a delicious kick.

Q7: How can I make the sauce more creamy?
A7: If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a little more heavy cream or even some cream cheese to thicken and smooth out the sauce.

Q8: Can I use a non-dairy cream alternative?
A8: Yes! You can use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version of this dish. Just be aware that it will alter the flavor slightly.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A9: Absolutely! Stir in some mozzarella or fontina for an extra cheesy and gooey texture.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add some fresh chili peppers, extra red pepper flakes, or a bit of sriracha to the sauce for an added kick.

Conclusion

Sausage Nduja Pasta is everything you want in a pasta dish: rich, creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. With a bit of spice and a lot of savory goodness, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something comforting and delicious. The creamy nduja sauce will have you coming back for more, and with all the ways to customize it, you can make it your own every time. Dig in and enjoy!

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