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Pasta alla Norcina

With creamy pasta, sausage, cheese and shaved truffle, this pasta alla Norcina is a rich and decadent meal perfect for weeknights.
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 582kcal
Author Ryan Beck

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb mild Italian sausages, casing removed
  • 2 medium shallots, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1-2 black truffles, shaved
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Save ½ cup of pasta water.
  • Heat olive oil in large pan over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking up and cooking for 4-5 minutes or until browned. Add the shallots, cooking for 1-2 minutes before adding the garlic and cooking for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the wine, scraping up any brown bits and cooking for a minute. Add the cream and nutmeg, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat.
  • Add the pasta, cheese and a few shavings of black truffle to the sauce as well as ¼ cup of reserved pasta water, tossing to combine. Add more pasta water and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with more grated cheese and shave truffles if desired.

Notes

  • Make sure the water you are cooking the pasta in is salted as some of the flavor comes from it.
  • DO NOT overcook the pasta when boiling. You want it just al dente or slightly under. It continues to cook with the sauce.
  • Use quality dry white wine to deglaze the pan. You want a wine you’d be willing to drink as it adds flavor and acidity to the sauce.
  • Don't use pre-shredded cheese. You want if finely grated so it melts well. Pre-shredded has added ingredients that will just make it clump up.
  • The truffle can be omitted if you prefer. I like it as it adds some extra richness to the dish. You can replace with truffle oil or mushrooms.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 532mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g