If you switched off at ‘fiery ‘nduja’, switch back on! For a milder ground beef pasta recipe (not a chilli in sight), try these easy stuffed shells with pesto and tomato beef sauce. This baked pasta dish is basil-rich, topped with mozzarella and can be prepped in stages. This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
What is ‘nduja and how to use it
‘N do ya? Or ‘n don’t ya? Despite its recent explosion in popularity, I’m guessing most people ‘n don’t. Maybe because they can’t pronounce it? (It’s en-doo-ya, by the way.) Or maybe because they don’t know what it is? Or how to use it. Well, I certainly ‘n do, so let me help. Most easily described as ‘meat jam’ thanks to its temptingly sticky texture and its pot packaging, it’s a jar of savoury, spreadable salami. Containing pork, Calabrian chillies and herbs it’s a fire-cracking condiment that belongs in your store cupboard. And there are plenty of spicy ways to use it. Here’s a few: Subtle: spoon into tomato pasta sauces like this one, Bolognese, or sausage gnocchi soup. Conspicuous: spread over a burger bun or quesadilla. Sledgehammer: serve as an accompaniment to hard cheese on a cheese board, or on bruschetta or crostini. So, ‘now ya dooo.
Serving suggestions
‘Nduja pasta with homemade tomato sauce is an all-weather winner. In the summer serve with a cool garden salad or Caprese salad. The mild mozzarella and fragrant basil balance the rich meats and fiery chillies wonderfully. In winter, warm up with this oven roasted vegetables side or zucchini salad. ‘N don’t forget the garlic bread. Fluffy focaccia is my current fave.
Storage and leftovers
Any leftover ‘nduja pasta will keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat with a splash of water on the hob. This is also a perfect recipe to double down on and freeze for future meals. Freeze the cooked homemade tomato sauce (separate from the pasta) for up to 6 months. When ready for it, defrost overnight in the fridge and then heat up on the hob in the time it takes to cook the pasta. Feel free to add some of that precious pasta water to the sauce if it’s looking too thick.
More pasta recipes to try
Pasta Cream Sauce Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Spicy Sausage Pasta with Ricotta White Chicken Skillet Lasagna with Basil Pesto
