Spice up your pasta game with this Nduja Pasta recipe! It combines fiery nduja in a delicious tomato cream sauce with al dente rigatoni pasta. It's a dish that is full of flavor and will quickly become one of your weeknight favorites!
About the Recipe
This nduja pasta is like a flavor explosion in every bite and takes an ordinary pasta dish to a whole new level. Nduja, which is like a spicy, spreadable Italian salami, pairs perfectly with pasta and especially when it's mixed in with the creamy tomato sauce in this recipe.
Nduja is a spreadable, spicy pork sausage and melts into a delicious sauce when heated. Nduja has origins in the Southern Italian region of Calabria.
We love making this for weeknight dinners or anytime you are entertaining. It is a perfectly comforting meal with a kick of spice. And with only a few steps, you can have this on the table in just about 20 minutes. The flavor of the nduja along with a little cream create the perfect bit of spice that you'll love!
If you are looking for more pasta recipes, check out our: Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken, and White Ragu.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Flavorful - This recipe is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal. It has the perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors. The spicy kick of nduja adds a unique zing to the dish that's hard to resist.
Simple - This recipe is a perfect choice because it's quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Impressive - Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this nduja pasta recipe is sure to impress. The complex flavors make it seem like a restaurant-quality dish, yet it's surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients you will need for this spicy nduja pasta recipe:
- Rigatoni pasta - This recipe uses 1 pound of rigatoni pasta. You can use any short pasta you have on hand.
- Olive oil - Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Nduja
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic
- Tomato paste - You can also use tomato sauce or tomato puree as a substitute.
- Heavy cream
- Butter - A tablespoon of butter helps bring the sauce together at the end of cooking.
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
Let's make this easy pasta dish together!
Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, nduja, salt, and black pepper and sauté for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the garlic to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the tomato paste and mix well. Add the heavy cream, stir well and then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer while the pasta cooks.
Step 4: Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Use a large spider strainer to transfer the pasta directly to the sauce.
Step 5: Toss the pasta with the sauce until well combined. Add the butter and toss until combined.
Step 6: Top with parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this easy pasta recipe:
Reserve pasta water - Use a spider strainer to transfer the pasta directly from the pasta cooking water to the pasta sauce. This will incorporate the perfect amount of cooking liquid. If you do not have a spider strainer, reserve ¼ cup of cooking water, drain the pasta, add it to the sauce, and then add some water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve Immediately - Nduja pasta is best enjoyed fresh and hot. The flavors are at their peak when served immediately after cooking.
Pair with wine - If you're into wine pairings, a light red wine like a Pinot Noir or a crisp white like a Sauvignon Blanc can complement the dish well. I also love serving this with some crusty bread!
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Large skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with enough room to toss the sauce with the pasta.
Large Pot - A large pot is essential in every kitchen to make soups, boil pasta, and so many other things!
Spider strainer - Use a spider strainer to transfer the pasta to the sauce.
Pasta Bowl - I love serving pasta in good quality pasta bowls. They're perfect for a variety of dishes, so they're super versatile!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this simple recipe:
Herbs - Experiment with herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or tarragon for a twist of freshness.
Pasta - Experiment with a different pasta shape. Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gnocchi for a unique texture and presentation.
Cheese - Instead of Parmesan, consider using crumbled feta, grated Pecorino Romano, or even a creamy goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nduja - Adjust the spice level by using less nduja if you prefer a milder taste. Alternatively, go bolder by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Additions - You can add cherry tomatoes, broccoli rabe, or a squeeze of lemon juice to this creamy pasta.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this pasta dish:
Baked Zucchini Slices - This easy and incredibly satisfying recipe for Baked Zucchini Slices has tender zucchini rounds that are generously seasoned with a trio of garlic powder, onion powder and parmesan cheese.
Sautéed Cauliflower - This Sautéed Cauliflower is a simple and delicious side dish to complement your next meal. It is easy to make and packed with tons of flavor and nutrients!
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts - These Honey Sriracha Brussels sprouts will be your new favorite way to make Brussels sprouts! And the best part - this dish only has a few simple ingredients and comes together in about a half hour!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can typically find nduja at specialty food stores, Italian markets, gourmet grocery stores, and even some well-stocked regular supermarkets.
This dish is going to be best when served fresh. To save time you could prepare the sauce ahead of time and then toss with the cooked pasta right before serving.
Nduja is a spreadable, spicy Italian pork product made from a mixture of ground pork, chili peppers, salt, and various spices. Nduja is known for its vibrant red color and bold, fiery taste. Because of its spreadable consistency, nduja can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes, such as pasta sauces, pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this easy dinner recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Nduja Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 oz nduja
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, nduja, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add tomato paste to the pan. Mix well, then add heavy cream. Stir and reduce heat to low. Simmer while you cook the pasta.
- Heat a large pot of salted boiling water over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, cook rigatoni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Use a large spider strainer to transfer the pasta directly into the sauce. This will incorporate the perfect amount of pasta water. Alternatively, you can save ¼ cup pasta water, drain the pasta, and add to the sauce.
- Toss pasta in the sauce until well combined. Add butter and toss until combined. Top with parmesan cheese and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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