If you have been searching for a dish that delivers the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, then this Pasta Calabrese Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. Combining zesty Italian sausage, a rich tomato and cream-infused sauce, and that irresistible kick from Calabrian chile spread, every forkful bursts with bold personality. It’s a hearty, satisfying plate that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly earn a special spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Pasta Calabrese Recipe is how straightforward and essential the ingredients are. Each element adds a unique touch—whether it’s bringing vibrant color, robust flavor, or creamy texture. Here’s what you need to get started:
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Using quality sausage with the casings removed ensures a rich, meaty base that keeps the sauce hearty and full-flavored.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz): This classic tomato sauce offers a bright and tangy foundation, perfect for marrying all the other flavors.
- Dried basil (2 tsp): A fragrant herb that imparts a subtle yet unmistakable Italian aroma to the sauce.
- Dried minced onion flakes (2 Tbsp): These add a savory depth without the need for fresh onions, making the process smoother and quicker.
- Minced garlic (1½ Tbsp): Garlic is essential for that aromatic punch, awakening the palate and complementing the sausage.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Cream brings lusciousness and balance, softening the spice while enriching the sauce’s texture.
- Good & Gather Signature Tomato Garlic and Calabrian Chile Spread (1 to 2 Tbsp): The star ingredient that infuses a smoky heat and complex depth unique to Calabrian chiles.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that perfectly rounds out the flavors.
- Linguine pasta (1 lb): The slightly flat noodles hold the sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfyingly saucy.
How to Make Pasta Calabrese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the Italian sausage with the casings removed. Cook it thoroughly until no pink remains, breaking it up as it browns. The sausage’s beautiful caramelization is key—it builds the base flavor that will carry through the entire dish. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat and add the minced garlic to the cooked sausage, sautéing just for about 30 seconds to release its fragrant aroma without burning. Now, pour in the marinara sauce, followed by dried basil, dried minced onion flakes, and your desired amount of the Calabrian chile spread. Stir everything together before adding the heavy cream, which will soften the spice while giving the sauce a lovely, velvety finish. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer gently on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows all those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—the perfect firmness to hold up under the hearty sauce. Once done, drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the rich, spicy sauce evenly over the hot linguine, ensuring every strand gets coated in that luxurious sauce. Give it a gentle toss to blend everything perfectly, preparing your taste buds for the delicious feast ahead.
How to Serve Pasta Calabrese Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Pasta Calabrese Recipe with just a few simple garnishes that add freshness and texture. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty contrast. Toss in some bright, fresh basil leaves to introduce a vibrant herbal note against the creamy, spicy backdrop. These finishing touches take the dish from tasty to truly memorable.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish with the right sides can make your meal even more satisfying. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterbalance to the richness. Garlic bread with a golden crust is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add color and healthful crunch, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress friends or family, try serving the Pasta Calabrese Recipe in individual pasta bowls, garnished with microgreens or a drizzle of good olive oil. You could also plate it alongside small bowls of extra Calabrian chile spread for guests who want to add more heat. For a family-style dinner, a large rustic wooden board or platter piled high with pasta and garnishes creates an inviting communal vibe everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pasta Calabrese sauce and pasta store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate if possible, to prevent the noodles from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce alone for up to two months—just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally to restore its silky texture.
Reheating
To reheat your prepared Pasta Calabrese Recipe, place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it’s too thick. Warm the pasta separately by briefly tossing it in boiling water or warming it in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Once both are heated, combine them fresh for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work beautifully. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can catch and cling to the creamy, spicy sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Pasta Calabrese Recipe?
Yes! You can easily substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Just sauté them until browned before adding the sauce ingredients to keep that satisfying texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends largely on how much Calabrian chile spread you use. Starting with one tablespoon will give a noticeable but balanced kick, while two tablespoons will add a more pronounced spiciness. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Can I prepare this ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely. You can make the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just cook the pasta fresh and warm the sauce, then combine for a quick yet impressive dinner.
What other cheeses can I use besides parmesan?
Pecorino Romano makes a great alternative with its sharper, saltier profile. Fresh mozzarella or ricotta dollops on top can add creaminess and mildness that balances the spice.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Calabrese Recipe is truly a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that come together in effortless harmony. It’s a dish that invites sharing around the table and always leaves you wanting just one more bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite pasta experience.
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Pasta Calabrese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Pasta Calabrese recipe features a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce with a spicy kick from Calabrian chile spread and savory Italian sausage. Perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a flavorful sauce makes for a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce and Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1½ Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 to 2 Tbsp Good & Gather Signature Tomato Garlic and Calabrian Chile Spread (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Pasta
- 1 lb package linguine pasta (cooked and drained)
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease carefully to keep the sauce from becoming oily.
- Add Garlic and Sauce Ingredients: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried onion flakes, Calabrian chile spread, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine and Serve: Transfer the drained pasta to a serving bowl and pour the Calabrese sauce over it. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Calabrian chile spread to control the spice level.
- Draining excess grease from the sausage helps maintain a balanced sauce consistency and flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, minced garlic from a jar works as a substitute.
- Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Garnishing with fresh basil and Parmesan adds extra depth and presentation appeal.
