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Nduja and Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.4 from 58 reviews

This Nduja and Sausage Pasta Bake is a rich, flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining spicy nduja paste with savory sausage, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mascarpone, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it features tender pasta baked to bubbly perfection with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 300 g cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp nduja paste
  • 125 g mascarpone
  • Fresh basil, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Pasta and Cheese

  • 400 g pasta (orecchiette recommended)
  • 1 ball of mozzarella
  • Parmesan cheese, for grating
  • Sausage (assumed about 200-300 g, based on typical pasta bake recipes)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the sausage: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage (removed from casing if necessary) and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Make the sauce: Add cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and nduja paste to the pan with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens. Stir in mascarpone until combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Tear the mozzarella ball into pieces and scatter over the top. Grate Parmesan generously over everything. Add some fresh basil leaves on top for added flavor.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pasta bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with extra fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute the sausage type with Italian pork sausage or spicy chorizo for different flavor nuances.
  • If you can’t find nduja paste, a mix of chili flakes and smoked paprika can be an alternative, though less authentic.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
  • Orecchiette is recommended, but penne, rigatoni or any short pasta will work well.
  • Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for best flavor and melt.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/nduja-and-sausage-pasta-bake-recipe/