Spicy Pasta with ‘Nduja: A Quick, Flavour-Packed Recipe You’ll Love
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Try This Simple Pasta with ‘Nduja Recipe
Looking for a quick, delicious dinner packed with bold flavours?
I’ve got just the recipe for you! This pasta with ‘Nduja recipe is your answer. It features the spicy, spreadable Calabrian salami known as ‘Nduja and delivers heat, umami, and a silky sauce that’s downright addictive.
It’s a must-try for food lovers, perfect for a fast weeknight meal or an impressive date-night dish. Ready to dive into this fiery Italian classic?
Let’s get started.
What Is 'Nduja?
Discover the Spicy Star of This Pasta Dish
Never heard of ‘Nduja (pronounced en-DOO-ya) before? If not, you’re in for a treat, as it’s the spicy star of this pasta dish.
‘Nduja is a spicy Calabrian salami that hails from Calabria, Italy, where pork, fat, and fiery Calabrian chillies are blended into a soft, spreadable paste. It’s a flavour bomb—think heat, smokiness, and rich umami in every spoonful. This pasta with ‘Nduja recipe renders its deliciousness, making the sauce and coating the pasta in a silky, spicy embrace that’s impossible to resist.
Why 'Nduja Makes Pasta Irresistible
‘Nduja can transform any dish, this pasta dish included, into a mouth-watering, irresistible masterpiece!
Bold Spice: Wakes up your taste buds with a fiery kick.
Rich Umami: Adds depth without extra ingredients.
Perfect Texture: Spreadable and meltable, ideal for quick sauces.
So, let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients for Pasta with 'Nduja (Serves 2)
You don’t need much to whip up this flavourful dish. Here’s what you'll need:
200g penne pasta (or rigatoni/spaghetti in a pinch)
1 litre of water (about 4 cups) per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of dry pasta.
2-3 tbsp 'Nduja (adjust based on spice preference)
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (to taste)
Salt (for pasta water)
Pasta with ‘Nduja: Step-by-Step Recipe:
This quick pasta dish comes together in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these simple steps to bring the taste of Calabria to your kitchen.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt. The water should taste like the sea. Add the penne and cook until al dente per package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Melt the 'Nduja
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the ‘Nduja, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir for 2-3 minutes until it melts into the oil, creating a fragrant, spicy base.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the melted ‘Nduja. Stir until evenly coated. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
Step 4: Add Parmigiano-Reggiano
Sprinkle in a generous handful of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir to melt it into the sauce for a creamy, nutty finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your pasta. Top it with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and a little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Be sure to dig in while it’s hot!
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Tips for the Best Pasta with 'Nduja
Silky Sauce: Use reserved pasta water and high-quality extra virgin olive oil to create a smooth, glossy coating.
Spice Level: Start with 2 tbsp of 'Nduja and adjust up if you love heat—it's potent!
Pasta Shape: Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce best, but spaghetti works too.
This spicy pasta recipe keeps it simple—‘Nduja’s bold flavour shines, balanced by nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano and a touch of olive oil. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
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Why You’ll Love This Pasta with ‘Nduja Dish
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’'s a game-changer. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
Lightning Fast: Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules
Flavour-Packed: The spicy Calabrian salami does the heavy lifting in making this dish a fan-favourite
Wow, Factor: Impresses guests or elevates a cozy night in
Final Thoughts on This Spicy Pasta Delight
This pasta with ‘Nduja recipe proves simple quality ingredients can deliver big results.
The fiery kick of ‘Nduja, paired with Parmigiano-Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil and perfectly cooked pasta, makes every bite irresistible. This quick pasta dish offers unbeatable flavour with minimal effort. So, grab some ‘Nduja, get that water boiling, and treat yourself to a meal that’s as bold as it is easy.
Have you tried ‘Nduja before? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and share this recipe with your fellow foodies!
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Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.