Pasta alla Norcina

 

This past summer, Dude had the chance to go on a pilgrimage to Rome with other high school students across the state.

 I had the same opportunity when I was in high school and definitely wanted him to take advantage of it!  

He fundraised and went on the two-week trip and had such a wonderful time!  The pilgrimage leaders do such a wonderful job of helping these high school students deepen their faith as they see the actual places and sacred objects that we normally only hear about - he was even mere feet away from Pope Leo XIV as they attended a papal audience - so amazing!

When he came home, he had a bag of souvenirs, as one does.  He knows his mama well and brought me coffee and pasta.

I spent some time thinking about what dish to make with the pasta he brought.  Since it was pasta from Italy, I decided to make an Italian favorite: Pasta alla Norcina.  

It was so delicious.   The ingredients are simple, but work together beautifully.  

Sunday Funday

Pasta

• A Voyage into the Pasta Universe with Gluten-Free Pestazzule. Malfadine. and Stringozzi by Culinary Cam
• Pasta alla Norcina Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Pumpkin Gnocchi by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Spaetzle by Sid's Sea Palm Cooking
• Vegetarian Rice Roni With Homemade Rice Roni Mix by Sneha's Recipe

Pasta alla Norcina

Recipe from Sip & Feast

1 pound dry pasta

1 pound mild Italian sausage

8 ounces button mushrooms, diced

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup dry white wine

1 cup half & half

¾ cup grated parmigiano romano cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

Cook the pasta in salted water.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet to medium heat.  Add the sausage and cook until beginning to brown.

Add the mushrooms, onions and garlic.  Cook until sausage is browned and vegetables are soft.

Stir in the white wine and allow to reduce by half, scraping any browned bits as it cooks off.

Reduce heat to low.  Stir in the half & half and bring to a low simmer.  Stir in the parmigiano romano and stir until combined.

Once the pasta is done, drain and add to the sauce.  Stir to combine.  Top with freshly ground black pepper.