Linguine with creamy ‘Nduja tomato sauce. This 20-minute dinner hits all the flavor spots. It’s spicy, funky and delicious. Fiery ‘Nduja salami is the star in this smooth tomato sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of cream. Serve with plenty of parmesan and a big fresh side salad.
What is ‘Nduja?
‘Nduja is a spreadable, soft and spicy salami from Calabria, that consists of pork meat, lard, Calabrian red chilli peppers and salt. It can be used in many ways, from spreading on bruschetta, swirling into risotto, topping a pizza to adding to pasta sauces. This spicy recipe is a great way to experiment with this funky sausage.
Because of its fiery heat, we’re adding a little cream and grated parmesan to the sauce. ‘Nduja will melt completely in the pasta sauce, so don’t expect to find any chunks.
The result is super comforting and delicious, like can’t-put-your-fork-down-delicious.
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.
Why you’ll love this spicy pasta recipe
It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, but luxurious enough for a cosy and relaxing night in. It involves very little prep work, but comes with a big flavor payoff. Make sure to serve it with plenty of parmesan and some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce.
Recipe tips
- ‘Nduja is a quite spicy salami, if you’d like to try it but you’re afraid your pasta will be too spicy, use just 50 g/2 oz for a milder taste. Use more for a spicy result, so you can really taste the ‘Nduja in all its delicious glory
- you can find ‘Nduja in a larger supermarket, in shops that specialize in Italian products or online
- add more veggies, like spinach or roasted bell peppers
- serve with a big side salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Try These Next
- Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Spicy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti
- Salmon all’Arrabbiata
Linguine with Creamy 'Nduja Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 14 ounces linguine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3.5 ounces 'Nduja use 50 g/2 oz for a milder taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes without oil, finely chopped
- ¾ cup cream 20% fat
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, get all the prep done before you start making the sauce: finely chop the shallots and mince the garlic. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and parsley.
- Add linguine to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Scoop up 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
- In the meantime, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add shallots and garlic, cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste, cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Add salt, black pepper and thyme. Stir in 'Nduja, cook for 1 minute. Add lemon juice and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add ½ cup cooking water, stir until smooth. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer. Then stir in Parmesan.
- Add parsley and linguine, toss to combine. If needed, add more pasta cooking water. Finish off with black pepper. Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
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How would this be without meat?
Hi, to mimic the spicy meat you can add sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, smoked paprika, red chili paste and salt to a blender. Process everything until a paste forms. Then follow the recipe as written. Hope you love it!
Great!!
So glad you enjoyed Jane!
Fantastic spicy taste! I googled the pronunciation of ‘Nduja before to make the recipe is easier to read 🙂
Thank you so much for trying out the recipe! It’s one of my favorites, so I’m glad you enjoyed the spicy flavors. It’s always a good idea to double-check those tricky ingredient pronunciations – ‘Nduja’ can definitely be a tongue-twister!
Delicious, cheap and easy! Fantastic mid week recipe! Will definitely make this again.
It makes me so happy to hear that Fiona! Thanks for making!