Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pasta with Ricotta and Sausage: A Quick and Flavour-Packed Sicilian Favourite
Discover this speedy pasta recipe with creamy ricotta and fragrant fennel sausage— a Sicilian classic bursting with authentic flavours!
📖 What is it
Discover this speedy pasta recipe with creamy ricotta and fragrant fennel sausage— a Sicilian classic bursting with authentic flavours!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320 g pasta of your choice
- ✓ 300 g sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 50 g grated caciocavallo cheese
- ✓ 250 g Sicilian fennel sausage
- ✓ half a glass of white wine
- ✓ 4 yellow datterini cherry tomatoes
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ basil, to garnish
📊 Nutritional Information
Let yourself be transported by the rich, inviting aromas of Sicilian cooking with this pasta dish, where the sweet creaminess of sheep’s ricotta meets the bold character of fennel-spiced sausage. Imagine enjoying this meal tucked away in a sun-drenched alley, where the warm oven melds with the scent of wild herbs and juicy cherry tomatoes—a truly comforting and traditional lunch.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pan of salted water to the boil to cook your pasta. While you wait, begin preparing the sauce.
- 2
Cook the sausage: Heat a splash of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan. Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it by hand. Fry gently for a few minutes, breaking it up evenly with a fork.
- 3
Deglaze with wine and add tomatoes: Pour in the white wine and let it bubble away until mostly evaporated. Add the yellow datterini tomatoes and cook for about five minutes, stirring often.
- 4
Make the ricotta cream: In a bowl, mash the ricotta then stir in a couple of spoons of warm water and the grated caciocavallo until smooth and creamy.
- 5
Combine the ricotta with the sausage: Spoon the ricotta cream into the pan with the sausage and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Toss the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it and add directly to the sauce. Toss well in the pan to coat every strand or piece in the luxurious sauce. If the mixture seems a bit dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- 7
Serve: Divide the pasta between warm plates, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and a final grind of black pepper. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and serve immediately.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a more indulgent twist, grate some black truffle or sprinkle toasted pistachios over the top for added elegance and crunch.
- •
Try using handmade pasta varieties like cavatelli or maltagliati to truly highlight the creamy texture of the sauce.
- •
While this recipe beautifully combines meat and dairy, swap the sausage for sautéed mixed mushrooms and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a delicious vegetarian alternative bursting with umami.
- •
To achieve a silkier ricotta sauce, gently stir in a teaspoon of warm pasta water to smooth out any lumps.
- •
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta cream for an extra depth of flavour.
- •
The key to this dish is balancing delicate flavours, letting gentle heat coax out the full fragrance of each ingredient.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within two days for the best taste and freshness.
- • When reheating, warm gently in a pan with a splash of hot water to revive the creamy texture without drying the sauce.
- • Stir carefully while warming to keep the ricotta silky and prevent the sauce from sticking.
🍷 Pairing
A Sicilian white like Grillo from the Contea di Sclafani is a perfect match, its fresh, fruity notes beautifully lifting the salty, herbal magic of the sausage.
Alternatively, opt for a Catarratto with its zesty citrus tones and lively minerality to balance the richness.
If you fancy something beyond Sicily, a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi offers elegant acidity and freshness that complements every mouthful.
This pasta with ricotta and fennel sausage truly captures the heart of Sicilian comfort food — simple yet packed with vibrant flavours that warm the soul. I encourage you to give this recipe a go at home; it’s such a brilliant way to bring a little Italian sunshine to your table. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, it’s bound to be a hit. Don’t forget to share it around and enjoy a taste of Sicily together!
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