When you’re craving a comforting and flavorful pasta dish, Pasta con Ricotta e Salsiccia is the perfect choice. Combining the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the rich, savory taste of Italian sausage, this dish is both indulgent and easy to prepare. Popular in many regions of Italy, it’s a quick and satisfying option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.


A Rustic Italian Favorite

This dish reflects the heart of Italian home cooking: simple ingredients that deliver bold flavors. While its exact origins are hard to pinpoint, pasta with sausage and ricotta is especially beloved in Southern Italy, where ricotta is a staple in many recipes. The sausage adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the ricotta’s creamy texture, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined.


Ingredients: A Perfect Harmony

The beauty of Pasta con Ricotta e Salsiccia lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a few high-quality ingredients to make this dish shine.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

300g (10 oz) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli work well)

250g (8 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed

250g (1 cup) fresh ricotta cheese

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 small onion, finely diced

1/4 cup white wine (optional, for added depth)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, for serving


How to Make Pasta con Ricotta e Salsiccia

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Cook the Sausage:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and soft. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned.

3. Deglaze the Pan:

(Optional) Add the white wine to the pan and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese. Add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine and Serve:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the ricotta-sausage sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.


Tips for Perfect Pasta con Ricotta e Salsiccia

Choose the Right Sausage: Italian sausage with fennel or a touch of spice works best for this recipe.

Use Fresh Ricotta: High-quality, creamy ricotta makes all the difference in creating a luscious sauce.

Add a Twist: For extra flavor, include a handful of cherry tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes.


Pairing Suggestions

To enhance the flavors of this dish, pair it with simple sides and beverages:

Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white like Vermentino complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dish: Serve with a mixed green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.


Products for Your Recipe

Bring authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen with premium ingredients from Bottega Italiana:

Fresh Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and full of flavor.

Italian Sausage: Authentic and perfectly seasoned.

Bronze-Cut Pasta: Ideal for holding onto the rich sauce.


A Dish That Combines Comfort and Flavor

Pasta con Ricotta e Salsiccia is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the comforting creaminess of ricotta with the bold, savory flavor of sausage. It’s a dish that embodies the best of Italian cooking: simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Buon appetito! 🍝🧀