Embarking on a culinary journey through the heart of Italian cuisine brings us to the delightful dish known as Paccheri with Quick Sausage Ragu. This recipe combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the unique texture of paccheri pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish promises a gourmet experience with minimal preparation time.
Understanding Paccheri Pasta
Paccheri is a traditional pasta originating from the Campania region in Southern Italy. Characterized by its large, tubular shape, paccheri is designed to hold hearty sauces, making it perfect for robust ragùs. Its size and structure allow it to capture chunks of meat and vegetables, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. If paccheri is unavailable, rigatoni serves as an excellent substitute due to its similar shape and sauce-holding capabilities.
The Essence of a Quick Sausage Ragù
A traditional ragù often requires hours of simmering to develop its deep, complex flavors. However, this quick sausage ragù leverages the intense seasoning of Italian sausage to expedite the process without compromising on taste. The combination of aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and a touch of cream creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the paccheri.
Ingredients
To prepare Paccheri with Quick Sausage Ragù, gather the following:
- Paccheri Pasta: 1 pound (approximately 450 grams)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Red Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, thinly sliced
- Fennel Seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Chili Flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
- Italian Sausage: 10.5 ounces (approximately 300 grams), spicy variety, casings removed
- Tomato Paste: 1/3 cup
- Heavy Cream: 2/3 cup
- Salt: 1.5 tablespoons for pasta water, plus additional to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, plus more for serving
- Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving
Preparation Steps
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Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 tablespoons of salt to season the water. Once boiling, add the paccheri pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1.25 cups of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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Incorporate Spices and Sausage: Stir in fennel seeds and chili flakes (if using), cooking for an additional minute to release their aromas. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
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Add Tomato Paste: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the tomato paste, ensuring the sausage and aromatics are well-coated. Let this mixture cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavors.
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Combine Pasta Water and Cream: Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet, increasing the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, creating a cohesive and creamy sauce.
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Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained paccheri to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is coated with the ragù. Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Culinary Tips
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Pasta Selection: While paccheri is ideal for this recipe due to its size and ability to hold sauce, rigatoni or other large tubular pastas can be used as substitutes.
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Sausage Variations: Depending on your heat preference, choose between sweet or spicy Italian sausage. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works well.
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Enhancing Flavor: A splash of red wine can be added after browning the sausage, allowing it to reduce before adding tomato paste, imparting depth to the sauce.
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Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them alongside the onions and garlic.
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Herb Substitutions: Fresh parsley or oregano can replace basil as a garnish, each offering a unique flavor profile.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement the rich flavors of Paccheri with Quick Sausage Ragù, consider the following accompaniments:
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Wine: A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese pairs well, balancing the dish’s richness.
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Salad: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
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Bread: Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the delectable sauce.
In conclusion, Paccheri with Quick Sausage Ragù exemplifies the essence of Italian comfort food, combining hearty ingredients with efficient preparation. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its versatility allows for personal touches, whether through the addition of seasonal vegetables or the use of different pasta shapes. By mastering this recipe, you not only bring a taste of Italy into your home but also enrich your culinary repertoire with a meal that’s both satisfying and straightforward to prepare.