Nests of Tagliatelle with Sausage Ragù

The nests of tagliatelle with sausage ragù are a twist on the classic Italian first course. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 250 g of fresh tagliatelle
• 300 g of pork sausage
• 1/2 white onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1/2 glass of red wine
• 400 g of tomato purée
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
• Salt and pepper, as needed
• grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the soffritto: finely chop the onion, carrot, and celery. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped vegetables, letting them sweat over low heat until they become translucent.
2. Add the crumbled sausage to the pan, increase the heat, and brown it until it is well-golden, breaking it up with a fork to prevent sticking.
3. Deglaze with the red wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
4. Pour the tomato purée into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let the sausage ragù simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the flavors concentrate and the sauce thickens.
5. While the sauce is cooking, boil plenty of salted water in a pot for the pasta. Cook the fresh tagliatelle following the manufacturer’s instructions or until al dente.
6. Drain the tagliatelle and transfer them to the pan with the sausage ragù, mixing gently to combine everything.
7. Lightly butter individual oven-proof dishes or paper linings and arrange the tagliatelle forming nests. You can use a fork to twist the tagliatelle to give them the shape.
8. Sprinkle each nest with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese and bake at 180 °C for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
9. Serve hot, garnished with basil leaves, if desired.

Curiosity

The nests of tagliatelle are a creative presentation that both adults and children enjoy. Moreover, the practicality of the nests allows for serving pre-divided portions, perfect for a family lunch or a dinner among friends. Remember that you can customize the dish with your personal touch, perhaps adding some fresh ricotta to the filling or aromatic herbs to the ragù for an even richer flavor.