Crispy Sausage Nduja Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Mascarpone, and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible textures, you’ve got to try my Crispy Sausage Nduja Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Mascarpone, and Parmesan Recipe. It’s one of those meals that just hits all the right notes—crispy sausage, creamy mascarpone, and that smoky, spicy nduja paste wrapped in a luscious tomato sauce. Trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for dinner any night of the week.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient works together to create layers of flavor and texture, from the spicy nduja paste to the creamy mascarpone. When shopping, look for quality pork sausages and fresh cherry tomatoes to make this dish truly shine.

• Pork Sausages: I always use sausages with natural casings, which are easier to remove when cold, making crisping a breeze.
• Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil adds depth and richness to the frying process.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These burst beautifully and add a natural sweetness that balances the nduja’s spice.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that deepens the sauce’s taste without adding bulk.
• Nduja Paste: The star of the show—a spicy, spreadable Calabrian sausage paste that’s smoky and rich.
• Mascarpone: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Adds brightness and fresh herbaceous notes to finish the dish.
• Pasta (Orecchiette recommended): But feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you like—it all works!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, but remember the sausages and Parmesan add saltiness, so go easy at first.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that nutty, sharp finish that ties the dish together.

Variations

I love to switch things up depending on what’s in season or what I’ve got in the fridge. Feel free to make this dish your own by experimenting with ingredients and spice levels.

• Milder Version: If you’re not into heat, try using a milder Italian sausage instead of nduja, and skip the paste entirely.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or rocket at the end for a fresh, leafy punch.
• Pasta Swap: Use gluten-free pasta or your favorite wheat pasta shape; I personally adore orecchiette because it catches all the sauce perfectly.
• Cheese Variety: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite, or add a dollop of ricotta on top for extra creaminess.

How to Make Crispy Sausage Nduja Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Mascarpone, and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Sausages Just Right

First things first—get those sausages out of their casings. I find scoring the skin with a knife and pulling it away works best, especially if they’re cold from the fridge. Then, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and break the sausage meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. What you want here is deep golden brown, almost crispy bits—think 10 to 15 minutes of patient cooking. This step adds flavor and texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Build Your Flavor with Tomatoes and Nduja

Once your sausage is beautifully crisp, add the cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and nduja paste straight into the pan. Give it a good stir, frying everything together for a few minutes. Add a splash of water and let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes. I like to press down on the tomatoes with the back of my wooden spoon to help them burst and break down into a saucy goodness.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Perfectly While the Sauce Simmers

While your sauce is doing its thing, bring a pot of well-seasoned water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s al dente. This is crucial because you want that firm bite to complement the creamy sauce without turning mushy.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Mascarpone and Basil

When the tomato sauce has thickened nicely, stir in the mascarpone cheese and fresh basil leaves. Add a splash of your reserved pasta water if you need to loosen it up to a silky, luscious consistency. Then, toss in the drained pasta along with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan and more basil. Stir everything together gently, adjusting with a bit more pasta water to get that perfect creamy finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the pasta into bowls, grate more Parmesan on top if you like, and dive in. This dish is comfort food that feels a bit special every time. It’s honestly one of my family’s all-time favorites.

How to Serve Crispy Sausage Nduja Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Mascarpone, and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this pasta with extra freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of torn basil leaves. Sometimes, I even drizzle a little high-quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes if I want to turn up the heat after plating. These small touches make a big difference and really brighten up the dish.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like to serve this pasta with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some toasted garlic bread to sop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables also complement the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love serving this pasta in shallow bowls garnished with microgreens and edible flowers for a pop of color. You can also portion it into individual mini cocottes or ramekins and sprinkle Parmesan before broiling quickly for a bubbly golden crust on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so just add a splash of warm water or broth when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

This pasta freezes quite well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers without the fresh basil, which I add fresh after reheating. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of reserved pasta water or olive oil to revive the creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but I prefer the stove method to keep the sauce smooth and avoid drying out the sausage.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Sausage Nduja Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Mascarpone, and Parmesan Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to comfort meals. It’s that perfect blend of spicy, creamy, fresh, and crispy — a real crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to pull together. Next time you want to impress yourself or friends with minimal fuss, this is the recipe to turn to. I truly hope you love it as much as my family and I do!

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