Creating a satisfying and flavorful maccheroncini pasta recipe is the perfect way to elevate your weeknight lunch. This delightful dish combines tender pasta with a rich, savory sauce, making it a wonderful meal for any occasion. This classic Italian meal is simple yet incredibly satisfying, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Maccheroncini, a short, tube-shaped pasta, is the ideal choice for holding onto thick, hearty sauces. Its delicate form allows it to perfectly capture every bit of flavor from a well-made sauce. This particular maccheroncini pasta recipe features a rich sauce of sausage and beans, creating a robust and comforting flavor profile.
This article will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish, from gathering your ingredients to plating the finished meal. We’ll also explore some popular variations on maccheroncini dishes that you can find in traditional Italian cuisine. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouth-watering meal ready to enjoy.
The Perfect Ingredients for a Maccheroncini Pasta Recipe
The key to any great dish lies in the quality of its ingredients. For this specific maccheroncini pasta recipe, we use a combination of simple yet flavorful components that work together beautifully. The harmony of these ingredients creates a memorable dining experience.
Below you’ll find everything you need to prepare this classic recipe. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will always result in a superior flavor.
Ingredients
- 300g Maccheroncini pasta
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 200g sausage, crumbled
- 400g canned cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
- 200ml hot water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Time Table
Making a delicious meal doesn’t have to take all day. This maccheroncini pasta recipe is designed to be efficient, allowing you to create a fantastic meal without a long wait. You can have this dish on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated time for each part of the cooking process.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Serving Size | Serves 4 |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple, numbered steps to create a stunning maccheroncini pasta recipe that you will love. Each step is designed to build on the previous one, ensuring a perfect result every time.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the crumbled sausage to the pan. Cook and stir until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste and continue to cook for another minute. This helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste.
- Add the drained beans and hot water to the pan. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the maccheroncini pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the starchy pasta water.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and bean sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh, finely chopped parsley.
Variations on this Maccheroncini Pasta Recipe
Maccheroncini is an incredibly versatile pasta, and it pairs well with a variety of sauces and ingredients. While the sausage and beans combination is a classic, you can explore other fantastic recipes from Italian tradition.
Maccheroni alla Norma
A traditional Sicilian dish, Maccheroni alla Norma combines maccheroni with fried eggplant, garlic, and chili. The sauce is made with tomato puree and basil, creating a rich and savory flavor. The dish is finished with ricotta salata, which adds a salty and creamy contrast. This variation is a vegetarian delight and a popular choice in Italian cuisine.
Maccheroni al Pettine with Fava, Pancetta & Cherry Tomatoes
This dish, often made with maccheroni al pettine, is a springtime treat. It features tender fava beans, savory pancetta, and sweet cherry tomatoes. The sauce is cooked with onion and olive oil, and the finished dish is often topped with Pecorino cheese. The combination of sweet tomatoes and salty pancetta creates a balanced and delicious sauce.
Maccheroni Positanesi
For a simple yet elegant meal, try Maccheroni Positanesi. This classic from the Amalfi coast combines maccheroni with a simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The dish is finished with fresh basil, which adds a beautiful aroma and flavor. This is a great, quick maccheroncini pasta recipe that is perfect for a light lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Maccheroni and Maccheroncini?
Maccheroni and maccheroncini are both types of pasta, but they differ in size. Maccheroncini is a smaller version of maccheroni, which is a slightly larger, often ridged, tube-shaped pasta. The smaller size of maccheroncini makes it perfect for sauces that can get inside the pasta tube for a burst of flavor.
Can I substitute the sausage in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with other ingredients. For a vegetarian option, you can use fried eggplant, as seen in the Maccheroni alla Norma recipe. You could also use a different type of meat or a vegetarian meat substitute if you prefer.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight meal?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for a weeknight meal. The preparation and cooking times are relatively short, with a total time of about 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and simple maccheroncini pasta recipe that delivers a delicious and satisfying result without a lot of effort.
Conclusion
This maccheroncini pasta recipe is a perfect example of a simple, delicious Italian meal. The robust combination of sausage and beans with the tender pasta creates a truly comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a fantastic result.
We hope you enjoyed learning how to make this delightful dish. We encourage you to try this maccheroncini pasta recipe and experience its incredible flavor for yourself. If you do, please leave a comment below to share your experience and let us know what you thought!
We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a review or share this article with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 300g Maccheroncini pasta
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 200g sausage, crumbled
- 400g canned cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
- 200ml hot water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the crumbled sausage to the pan. Cook and stir until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste and continue to cook for another minute. This helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste.
- Add the drained beans and hot water to the pan. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the maccheroncini pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the starchy pasta water.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and bean sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh, finely chopped parsley.
Notes
Variations on this Maccheroncini Pasta Recipe
Maccheroncini is an incredibly versatile pasta, and it pairs well with a variety of sauces and ingredients. While the sausage and beans combination is a classic, you can explore other fantastic recipes from Italian tradition.
Maccheroni alla Norma
A traditional Sicilian dish, Maccheroni alla Norma combines maccheroni with fried eggplant, garlic, and chili. The sauce is made with tomato puree and basil, creating a rich and savory flavor. The dish is finished with ricotta salata, which adds a salty and creamy contrast. This variation is a vegetarian delight and a popular choice in Italian cuisine.
Maccheroni al Pettine with Fava, Pancetta & Cherry Tomatoes
This dish, often made with maccheroni al pettine, is a springtime treat. It features tender fava beans, savory pancetta, and sweet cherry tomatoes. The sauce is cooked with onion and olive oil, and the finished dish is often topped with Pecorino cheese. The combination of sweet tomatoes and salty pancetta creates a balanced and delicious sauce.
Maccheroni Positanesi
For a simple yet elegant meal, try Maccheroni Positanesi. This classic from the Amalfi coast combines maccheroni with a simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The dish is finished with fresh basil, which adds a beautiful aroma and flavor. This is a great, quick maccheroncini pasta recipe that is perfect for a light lunch.