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Pasta

Pasta alla Carcerata (Creamy Sausage Pasta with Brandy)

Pasta alla Carcerata is a rich, creamy first course with sausage, cream and brandy, full of the bold flavors of 1980s Italian home cooking.
Recipe Pasta alla Carcerata (Creamy Sausage Pasta with Brandy)
  • Difficulty Medium
  • Preparation 15 minutes
  • Cooking 20 minutes
  • Servings for 4 people

Pasta alla Carcerata is one of those recipes that win you over at first bite, perfect for anyone looking for a rich, creamy pasta that comes to the table in less than half an hour yet tastes like a special-occasion meal. Imagine the enticing aroma of browned sausage mingling with sweet tomato passata and fresh peas, then made irresistible by the cream, which gives it a velvety, irresistible texture. In a few simple moves and with basic ingredients, you can make a quick pasta recipe that pleases everyone, whether you want to surprise friends at dinner or are looking for a hearty dish for a Sunday with the family.

Pasta alla Carcerata is an ideal choice for anyone who loves pasta with sausage, thanks to the perfect pairing of bold flavors and creamy notes. The recipe is enriched with brandy, which gives the sauce a refined aromatic touch, and with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese, for a tasty, satisfying result. Don’t forget to add fresh parsley when serving: a touch of color and freshness that makes the dish even more inviting.

If you love easy first courses and want to serve something special without giving up convenience, this pasta with cream will meet every expectation. And if you are looking for more ideas for a quick pasta dinner, also try Creamy Saffron and Sausage Pasta, or turn to a great classic like Pasta al Forno (Baked Pasta) or the iconic Ziti Lasagna for bigger get-togethers. If you love the oven, don’t miss the Baked Rigatoni Pie, while for a traditional touch you can’t pass up Spaghetti all’Amatriciana.

Pasta alla Carcerata is the rich pasta sauce that turns even the simplest day into a feast of flavors. Try it with mezze maniche or other short pasta shapes: it will always be a success.

Ingredients for 4 people

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Method

  1. To make Pasta alla Carcerata, start by peeling and finely chopping the onion.
  2. Pour a drizzle of oil into a pan and sauté the onion until translucent.
    Pasta alla Carcerata, step 2: chopped onion sautéing in oil in a pan
  3. Add the crumbled sausage, casing removed, and brown it until it changes color.
    Pasta alla Carcerata, step 3: crumbled sausage browning with the onion
  4. Deglaze with the brandy and let it evaporate completely.
  5. Add the tomato passata and a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook over low heat for about 15 minutes with the lid partly on, stirring from time to time.
    Pasta alla Carcerata, step 5: sausage and tomato sauce simmering in the pan
  6. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water according to the package directions.
  7. When the sauce is ready, pour in the cream and stir well until creamy.
    Pasta alla Carcerata, step 7: cream stirred into the sausage sauce
  8. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, then stir it with the heat off together with the grated cheese.
    Pasta alla Carcerata, step 8: pasta tossed with the sauce and grated cheese
  9. Serve right away, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!

Variations and Alternatives

Try a boscaiola (woodsman’s) variation by adding sautéed mushrooms to the sauce, or a white version by replacing the tomato passata with a touch of creamy cheese for an even more velvety dish.

Tips

For a lighter version, you can replace the cream with plant-based cream or ricotta. Add a pinch of chili pepper if you want a spicy note, or some pecorino for a bolder flavor.

Storage

Store Pasta alla Carcerata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat it in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creaminess.

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