This Authentic Italian Pasta Recipe Will Take You Straight to Italy

pecorino cheese

🥗Healthier: parmesan cheese

💰Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Parmesan offers a similar flavor with less fat.

sausage

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner and healthier.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato puree

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes provide similar flavor at a lower cost.

If using saffron, add the saffron to a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Let sit until ready to use.

In a large saucepan or sauté pan, on medium heat, add onion, and cook in olive oil for 1-2 minutes until translucent, then add the sausage meat and bay leaf.

Cook for 10 minutes breaking up the sausage and letting it brown, stirring frequently.

Add the tomato puree and saffron (if using) to the sausage sauce.

Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the fresh basil and stir to combine.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the malloreddus until al dente according to package instructions.

Once cooked, drain the malloreddus, put them in the pan with the sauce, and mix until combined.

Add grated pecorino romano cheese to the pasta and stir until it is well incorporated.

Serve hot. Add additional grated cheese if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens