Spicy ‘Nduja and Cilantro Pasta
This spicy ‘nduja and cilantro pasta recipe makes a big plate of vibrant, bright red noodles with a serious kick!
‘Nduja is a spicy spreadable sausage from Calabria, Italy. When used in this manner, it breaks down into a spicy and delicious sauce that coats noodles beautifully.
Find ‘nduja at gourmet Italian grocery stores, high end butchers, or online.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time25 min
- Yield4 light servings
Ingredients
- 10oz (300g) tagliatelle or other long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, bucatini, or mafalde
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6oz (175g) ‘nduja sausage
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste
- 1 big handful chopped cilantro
- Black pepper
- Pecorino cheese
Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add a big pinch of salt.
Add the noodles and cook to about 1 minute short of al dente (follow package directions for timing).
Reserve 3/4 cup (170ml) of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium low heat in a large skillet.
Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
Increase heat to medium and add the ‘nduja and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes.
Transfer the noodles from the pot to the skillet, along with the 3/4 cup of pasta cooking water.
Toss everything together well, cooking it until the liquid evaporates into a thick, clinging sauce.
Transfer the pasta to plates and shower with fresh cilantro, black pepper, and pecorino cheese. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
