Introduction
If you love pasta and want to spice up your midweek dinners, our Lumache Pasta with Sausage & Tomato Cream is the recipe for you. This recipe combines the rich tastes of Italian sausage with a zesty tomato cream sauce, which is topped with creamy whipped ricotta for a wonderful smoothness. But what exactly is Lumache pasta, and how did a meal at Chicago’s famous Hide + Seek inspire this recipe? Let’s plunge in!
What is Lumache Pasta?
Lumache pasta, often known as “snail pasta,” is a distinct variety of pasta resembling a little shell or snail. Its unusual shape is ideal for retaining rich sauces, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Lumache pasta’s grooves and curves make it ideal for both creamy and chunky sauces, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
The Inspiration: Dining at Hide and Seek
My gastronomic adventure to develop this recipe started with a remarkable dinner at a West Loop hidden gem in Chicago. Hide + Seek presents a cuisine that surprises and delights with every meal; it is well-known for its creative ideas on traditional foods and a personal dining experience. I first sampled a meal here that culminated with a smooth ricotta top and paired strong sausage tastes with a creamy tomato sauce. Inspired by this encounter, I resolved to replicate and modify the meal for home cooking.
Lumache Pasta with Sausage & Tomato Cream
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce:
- 1/2 lb Lumache pasta
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tbsp Trader Joe's Umami seasoning
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp parsley
For Whipped Ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Cook the Lumache pasta according to package instructions until al dente.Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- Cook the Sausage:In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.Add the chopped garlic and cumin, sautéing until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Create the Sauce:Stir in the tomato paste and Trader Joe's Umami seasoning, mixing well.Pour in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.Season with salt and pepper to taste.Let the sauce thicken slightly, then stir in the chopped parsley.
- Whip the Ricotta:In a blender or food processor, combine the whole milk ricotta, fresh parsley, olive oil, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper.Blend until smooth and fluffy, creating a light whipped ricotta.
- Combine & Garnish:Toss the cooked Lumache pasta with the sausage-tomato cream sauce until well coated.Plate the pasta and generously spoon the whipped ricotta on top.Garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy:Serve immediately and savor the creamy goodness!
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