Paccheri for Victorio Recipe
Ingredients
For the Paccheri Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) Paccheri pasta
- Salt for the pasta water
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference), removed from casing and crumbled
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand or with a fork
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Paccheri:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt.
- Add the Paccheri pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Typically, this takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pan. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer until it has mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, which will add richness to the sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked Paccheri to the sauce in the skillet. Gently toss the pasta to coat each piece in the sauce.
- Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.
4. Serve:
- Transfer the Paccheri to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- For an added touch, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top before serving.
5. Accompaniments:
- Serve this dish with a side of crusty Italian bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes a refreshing side.
- Pair the meal with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the sauce for a complete dining experience.
Tips for Success
- Pasta Water Magic:
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining the Paccheri. The starch in the water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky texture.
- Choosing the Sausage:
- The type of sausage you choose will greatly influence the flavor of the dish. Mild sausage offers a more subtle taste, while spicy sausage adds a kick that complements the creamy sauce.
- Cooking the Paccheri:
- Paccheri is a large pasta shape that can be tricky to cook evenly. Stir it occasionally while it’s boiling to prevent the pieces from sticking together.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter:
- Use fresh basil and high-quality Parmesan cheese for garnishing. These ingredients add a burst of freshness and elevate the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
Paccheri for Victorio is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy tomato sauce. The large, tube-shaped Paccheri pasta is perfect for catching the sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its blend of textures and flavors.
