If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight is your new go-to dish. This creamy, savory pasta brings together classic Italian flavors in the most irresistible way, thanks to spirals of chewy gramigna, juicy crumbles of sausage, sweet onions, and a luxurious touch of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this bowl of pure happiness will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how this dish transforms humble, everyday ingredients into a meal that feels both special and entirely doable any night of the week. Every element plays its part to build up those signature layers of flavor and the silkiest, most satisfying sauce.
- Gramigna pasta: The star shape! Gramigna’s short, curly form holds onto all the creamy sausage sauce, but in a pinch, fusilli or bucatini work well too.
- Olive oil: Delicate yet essential, it’s the base for building flavor in both the sausage and the aromatics.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with that can’t-resist Italian aroma and taste.
- Italian sausage: Removing the casings ensures sausage crumbles that soak up and distribute flavor in every forkful.
- Dry white wine: Just a splash brings brightness, deglazes the pan, and balances the creaminess.
- Heavy cream: The secret to an ultra-rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Lends warmth and depth, accentuating all the other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle heat for those who love a little kick in their pasta.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the final dish—don’t skip it!
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: Melts into the sauce for a salty-savory finish and creamy texture.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh pop of color and herby brightness for garnish.
How to Make Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight
Step 1: Cook the Gramigna Pasta
Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the gramigna pasta and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water—this will help your sauce reach the perfect consistency. Set the cooked pasta aside for later, but try not to sneak too many bites!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
While the pasta works its magic, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally so it sweats but doesn’t brown. After around three to four minutes, add the minced garlic. Let it get fragrant—about 30 seconds—so it infuses the oil and flavors the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Now, crumble in the sausage, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces as it sizzles. Keep stirring and breaking apart clumps so every bit cooks evenly and browns nicely. This is where the magic happens—the sausage juices mingle with the soft onions and garlic, laying down a foundation of savory depth in your Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Once the sausage is golden and cooked through, pour in the dry white wine. Scrape up any lovely caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s flavor gold! Let the wine bubble and reduce for two to three minutes so the alcohol cooks off and only bright, tangy depth remains.
Step 5: Simmer with Cream and Spices
Stir in heavy cream, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Simmer gently for about three to four minutes, just enough to thicken everything into a luscious, glossy sauce. The kitchen will smell so cozy and inviting right about now!
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to make sure every piece is deliciously coated. If things seem too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water until it’s silky and perfect. Stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano until it melts in, taste, and add salt if needed. Pile everything onto plates and finish with a flurry of fresh parsley for color and a vibrant herbal note.
How to Serve Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight
Garnishes
No Italian meal feels finished without a flourish! Scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over each bowl for color, then offer extra Parmigiano-Reggiano on the side. A twist of more black pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper will really wake up the flavors if you’re serving guests who love a little zing.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a superstar all on its own, but you can elevate dinner by pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, some roasted veggies, or an airy piece of focaccia to soak up the extra sauce. For true Italian trattoria vibes, bring out an antipasto platter or a bowl of marinated olives to start the meal off right.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight in shallow bowls nestled with a Parmesan tuile or top each portion with a soft poached egg. Mini cast iron pans or individual bakeware can also make for dramatic, restaurant-style presentation that always wows at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight can be a meal prep hero! Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners after a long day.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to two months—just be aware that creamy sauces can sometimes separate upon reheating, though a splash of cream can fix this.
Reheating
To reheat, tip the pasta into a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a little splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce, and stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave smaller portions, but make sure to cover loosely and stir halfway so it heats evenly.
FAQs
What can I use if I can’t find gramigna pasta?
If gramigna isn’t available at your market, try fusilli, bucatini, penne, or even rigatoni. The goal is to pick a pasta shape with plenty of grooves to grab onto that delicious sausage cream sauce.
Can I make Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sausage sauce a day in advance. Just reheat gently, boil fresh pasta, and combine right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, the dish is mild with just a faint nudge of warmth from black pepper, but you control the heat! Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to turn things up a notch.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half will lighten the sauce but the texture may be a bit thinner; if using it, reduce slightly to keep the sauce nice and velvety for your Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight.
What wine pairs best with this pasta?
A dry Italian white—like a Pinot Grigio, Soave, or Vermentino—complements the richness of the cream and sausage without overpowering those lovely, savory flavors.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly night or need to impress company with something Italian and ultra-satisfying. Try Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight this week and let every creamy, savory bite remind you how simple ingredients can create a little everyday magic in your kitchen.
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Gramigna Pasta with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this Gramigna Pasta with Sausage recipe. This hearty dish features a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces gramigna pasta (or substitute with fusilli or bucatini)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water and set pasta aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic. Add sausage, cook until browned. Deglaze with white wine, add cream, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Combine and Serve: Toss drained pasta in the sauce. Adjust seasoning, sprinkle with cheese, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- If gramigna pasta is unavailable, fusilli, bucatini, or penne can be used.
- Spicy Italian sausage can be substituted for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
