Pasta Genovese Recipe

Pasta Genovese is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the rich combination of sweet Italian sausage and aromatic vegetables. Originating from the Italian region of Liguria, this comforting pasta sauce is simmered to perfection with onions, celery, and carrots, creating a savory base that clings beautifully to each bite.

Finished with a splash of white wine and a sprinkle of Italian cheese, this recipe brings a taste of home-cooked Italian goodness to your table. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, Pasta Genovese is sure to satisfy and delight!

Pasta Genovese Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups diced onions

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced carrots

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound ground sweet Italian sausage

1/2 cup white wine (optional)

1 quart beef broth

1 handful grated Italian cheese (e.g., Parmesan or Pecorino)

1 pound pasta (traditionally ziti, but any shape works)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Extra grated cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots.

Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Cook the Sausage:

Add the ground sweet Italian sausage to the pot.

Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

Continue to sauté until the vegetables are tender.

Add Wine:

If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.

Simmer the Sauce:

Add the quart of beef broth to the pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer.

Stir in a handful of grated Italian cheese, mixing well.

Boil the Pasta:

In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Blend the Sauce (Optional):

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce slightly, making the sausage more refined.

Add a little reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.

If the sauce is too thick, stir in more reserved pasta water.

Serve:

Plate the pasta and top with chopped parsley and extra grated cheese.

Enjoy your hearty Pasta Genovese!

Notes:

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Sausage Choice:

Sweet Italian sausage is traditional, but you can substitute with spicy sausage for added heat or use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Vegetable Variations:

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.

Wine Option:

While the white wine enhances the sauce, you can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Alternatively, use chicken broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Pasta Shape:

Ziti is a classic choice, but this sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, including penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Blending the Sauce:

Using an immersion blender is optional. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step or blend only a portion of the sauce for texture.

Make Ahead:

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat before serving.

Garnishing:

Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also be used for garnish in addition to or instead of parsley, adding another layer of flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yields: 6 | Serving Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! While sweet Italian sausage is traditional, you can substitute with spicy sausage for added heat, or opt for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Ziti is the traditional choice, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Is the white wine necessary for the sauce?

The white wine adds depth of flavor, but it’s optional.

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty alternative.

Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth as well.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a saucepan or microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Do I need to cook the vegetables until they’re completely soft?

Not necessarily. You want the vegetables to be softened and fragrant, but they can retain a bit of texture for added bite in the final dish.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it before adding the cooked pasta.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

For a creamier sauce, blend a portion of the sauce using an immersion blender, or stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before mixing with the pasta.

What if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes! The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.