Creamy Sausage and Beer Pasta with Crispy Pancetta
Pasta with Sausage and Beer (Pasta Salsiccia e Birra)
Category: Main Course (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Casarecce pasta | 400g |
| Sausage (Italian type) | 300g |
| Light beer | 150g |
| Pancetta (cured bacon) | 150g |
| Fresh cream (liquid) | 200g |
| Fresh parsley | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the pasta: Start by boiling water for the pasta. Add a pinch of salt to the water once it starts to heat up. When the water reaches a rolling boil, cook the casarecce pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
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Prepare the pancetta: While the pasta is cooking, cut the pancetta into thin slices. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the pancetta. Let it cook for a few minutes until the fat begins to melt and it turns golden and crispy.
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Cook the sausage: Add the sausage to the pan, breaking it into chunks as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it browns evenly. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and slightly crispy.
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Deglaze with beer: Once the sausage is browned, pour in the light beer. Allow it to cook down for about 2 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate and leaving behind a rich flavor. This will add a delicious depth to the sauce.
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Add the cream: Once the beer has reduced, pour in the fresh cream. Stir to combine everything, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it well. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Final seasoning: Stir in freshly chopped parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated and seasoned.
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Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley and black pepper if desired.
Tips:
- For an extra touch of richness, top with grated parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a slightly spicier version, consider adding some chili flakes to the sausage while cooking.
- The sausage can be replaced with other types of Italian sausages, such as spicy or fennel-flavored, for a different twist.
This Pasta with Sausage and Beer recipe is a delightful combination of savory, creamy, and slightly smoky flavors, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
