Pasta alla Norcina (sausage pasta recipe)

User Reviews

5

121 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    40 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    894 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Pasta alla Norcina (sausage pasta recipe)

Pasta alla Norcina is a sausage-based pasta dish featuring crumbled Italian sausage cooked with onions, white wine, fresh cream, and optional black truffle shavings, combined with short pasta like penne. The sauce is creamy and rich, accented by pecorino cheese, delivering a hearty and comforting flavor profile.

Description

This recipe starts with Italian sausage browned alongside onions, then simmered in white wine to deepen flavor. Fresh cream and grated pecorino cheese are added to form a rich, slightly thickened sauce. The optional black truffles provide an earthy aroma when included, complementing the creamy texture and savory sausage.

The cooked pasta is tossed with the sausage sauce, allowing the flavors to meld while the pasta maintains al dente firmness. Pecorino adds a salty tang that balances the dish’s richness.

Traditionally served with short pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni, this dish fits well as a main meal. Variations can be made with Italian pork sausages that align with the flavor profile, preferably without fennel but including garlic or rosemary.

Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute. Truffle oil is not recommended as it may overpower the dish's balance.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 14 oz penne pasta or other short pasta
  • 2-3 pork sausages Italian
  • 1 onion white or yellow
  • 1-2 black truffle I used 2 small ones (optional
  • 7 fl oz fresh cream
  • ½ glass white wine
  • 2 oz pecorino cheese grated
  • 3-4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • salt for pasta and to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, remove the casings from the sausages and crumble the meat. Discard the casings and bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. In a large frying pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the crumbled sausage to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking any large pieces with a spatula.
  3. Add white wine, stirring constantly, and cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer the sausage for 10 minutes in its juices. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Uncover, add fresh cream and truffle shavings (if using), along with half of the grated pecorino cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
  6. Meanwhile, salt the pasta water and bring it to the boil again. Then, cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve some cooking water before draining.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the sausage sauce, mixing over low heat. If needed, adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water.
  8. Plate the pasta, topped with the remaining pecorino, fresh black pepper, and more truffle shavings if desired.

Notes

  • Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best; variations with gluten-free pasta are possible.
  • Use Italian pork sausage without fennel but with garlic or rosemary for an authentic flavor.
  • Black truffles are optional and seasonal; truffle oil is not a suitable substitute as it can overwhelm the dish.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 894kcal (45%) Carbohydrates 80g (27%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 51g (78%) Saturated Fat 22g (110%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g (29%) Monounsaturated Fat 21g (105%) Cholesterol 112mg (37%) Sodium 583mg (24%) Potassium 475mg (10%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 792IU (16%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 205mg (21%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 894 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 894kcal 45%
Carbohydrates 80g 27%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 51g 78%
Saturated Fat 22g 110%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 112mg 37%
Sodium 583mg 24%
Potassium 475mg 10%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 792IU 16%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 205mg 21%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

121 reviews
Excellent

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