Name: Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni or penne); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed); 2 to 3 tablespoons nduja (spicy spreadable pork sausage); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 1/2 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved); Salt and black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish

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If you’re looking to spice up pasta night with something truly unforgettable, Sausage Nduja Pasta is the ticket. This dish takes the coziness of Italian sausage and pairs it with nduja, a fiery, spreadable pork sausage that infuses every bite with bold, smoky depth. Finished with a silky, creamy tomato sauce and topped with Parmesan and parsley, this pasta is as comforting as it is vibrant. Get ready for a meal that’s as quick and easy to make as it is completely crave-worthy—Sausage Nduja Pasta is about to become your new weeknight obsession.

Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sausage Nduja Pasta lies in its handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the savory sausage to the spicy nduja and luscious cream, ensuring maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Pasta (12 ounces, such as rigatoni or penne): Rigatoni’s ridges or penne’s tubes soak up every bit of the rich sauce for the perfect noodle-to-sauce ratio.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The start of any great Italian dish, lending silkiness and flavor to the base.
Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Choose mild or spicy, depending on your preference—the sausage gives the dish heartiness and real depth.
Nduja (2 to 3 tablespoons, spicy spreadable pork sausage): This star ingredient brings bold heat, smoke, and a distinct umami richness that sets this pasta apart.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): A gentle sweetness that forms the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the entire dish with warming Italian fragrance—don’t skimp!
Chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who want extra heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes delivers it in a flash.
Tomato paste (1/2 cup): Tomato paste gives body and an intense, slightly sweet tang to the sauce.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Cream mellows the spice and turns everything decadent and silky.
Pasta water (1/4 cup, reserved): Don’t forget this magic ingredient—it helps marry the sauce to the pasta for perfect coating.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Proper seasoning is key to letting all those robust flavors sing.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish): Parmesan offers salty, nutty notes as the ideal finishing touch.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of green adds freshness and color to your finished bowl.

How to Make Sausage Nduja Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta—rigatoni or penne is ideal for catching all that glorious sauce. Cook until al dente, according to package directions. Before draining, carefully scoop out about a quarter cup of the pasta water and set it aside; it’ll help your sauce come together later. Drain the pasta and let it hang out for a couple minutes while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta is simmering, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon into craggy little bits. Let it sizzle until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. The crispy edges are where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Stir in the finely chopped onion and let it cook down until softened and translucent—about 3 minutes. Next, add in the minced garlic and, if you’re feeling bold, the optional chili flakes. Let them sizzle for just a minute, bringing a hit of aroma and warmth to your kitchen.

Step 4: Add the Nduja

This is the moment that takes Sausage Nduja Pasta into exciting territory. Spoon in the nduja and let it melt into the sausage and onion mixture, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll see (and smell) the sauce transforming, getting rich, fiery, and beautifully glossy.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Now, stir in the tomato paste and cook it down for about 2 minutes. You want to deepen its flavor and caramelize the sugars. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until everything comes together in a creamy, sunset-hued sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper—taste as you go!

Step 6: Toss and Finish

Pour the cooked pasta right into your skillet. Add a splash of that reserved pasta water and toss everything together so the noodles are glossy and fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of pasta water until you score the perfect consistency. Serve warm, then shower with plenty of grated Parmesan and a flourish of fresh parsley.

How to Serve Sausage Nduja Pasta

Garnishes

Give your Sausage Nduja Pasta a lively finish with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. For extra heat, a few swirls of chili oil or more chili flakes will wake everything up. A light drizzle of good olive oil, just before serving, also adds fabulous aroma and sheen.

Side Dishes

This pasta is bold and heartwarming, so it pairs best with lighter, fresh sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed broccolini with a squeeze of citrus. A piece of rustic sourdough or warm focaccia on the side is perfect for swiping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve Sausage Nduja Pasta in big family-style bowls so everyone can help themselves. Or, portion it into individual pasta bowls and top with a soft-poached egg—the runny yolk adds another luscious layer. For a casual gathering, try setting out bowls of toppings (extra herbs, cheeses, even roasted chopped peppers) so guests can personalize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sausage Nduja Pasta keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring to a sealed container, so it stays fresh and the sauce doesn’t separate.

Freezing

If you’d like to save leftovers for longer, this pasta is freezer-friendly. Spoon it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat Sausage Nduja Pasta, place leftovers in a saucepan or skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, then stir gently until just heated through. Microwave works too, but use 50 percent power and stir halfway for even warming without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Sausage Nduja Pasta without dairy?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative such as full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plain oat creamer. The result will still be lusciously creamy and the flavors just as delicious.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by using plant-based sausage and skipping the nduja, or by seeking out a vegan nduja alternative (they do exist). Boost the umami with a bit of smoked paprika and sun-dried tomato paste for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While rigatoni or penne are ideal for trapping the rich sauce, you can use any short pasta shape you love. Fusilli or orecchiette also work exceptionally well, and gluten-free options are perfect for dietary needs.

What can I substitute for nduja if I can’t find it?

If nduja isn’t available, try blending a bit of spicy calabrese salami with olive oil to make a paste, or mix cooked chorizo with red pepper flakes for similar heat and flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but your pasta will still taste incredible.

How spicy is Sausage Nduja Pasta?

The heat level is very customizable. Use 2 tablespoons of nduja for a gentler warmth, or go up to 3 (with chili flakes) for a bold, fiery kick. If you or your guests are sensitive to spice, simply dial back the nduja and skip the chili flakes entirely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to amp up your pasta game, Sausage Nduja Pasta is the kind of comforting, flavor-packed dish that feels like pure celebration. It’s quick enough for busy nights, yet impressive enough for company. Give it a try and let those spicy, creamy flavors bring some delicious excitement to your table!

Sausage Nduja Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a flavorful and creamy pasta dish with a spicy kick in this Sausage Nduja Pasta recipe. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this Italian-inspired dish combines savory Italian sausage, fiery nduja, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
2 to 3 tablespoons nduja (spicy spreadable pork sausage)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, and chili flakes. Stir in nduja, then add tomato paste. Pour in cream, add pasta and reserved water. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving.