Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione: A Rustic Italian Delight
Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Colander
- Grater for cheese
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 400 g 14 oz ground game meat (such as venison or wild boar)
- 1 carrot finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 1 can 400g/14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine preferably Italian
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- For the Pasta:
- 300 g 10.5 oz of your favorite pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine work well)
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground game meat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Tomatoes and Herbs: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a bit of water if it becomes too thick.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Water: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain: Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Mix Together: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.
- Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the game meat with a mix of mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Pasta Variations: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option or whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.
Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione, or Pasta with Game Sauce, is a delightful dish that showcases the rich flavors of wild game combined with fresh pasta. From my own personal experience, this recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends or family, offering a taste of rustic Italian cooking that feels both special and comforting. Let me show you how I make this exquisite dish.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione, expect a rich, hearty sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, delivering layers of flavor with each bite. The earthy notes of the game meat combined with the sweetness of the vegetables create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Time to Stand: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 600
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
- Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Colander
- Grater (for cheese)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione now.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) ground game meat (such as venison or wild boar)
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine (preferably Italian)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 300g (10.5 oz) of your favorite pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine work well)
- Salt for pasta water
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground game meat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Tomatoes and Herbs: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a bit of water if it becomes too thick.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Water: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain: Drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Mix Together: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the game meat with a mix of mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Pasta Variations: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option or whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.
Tips
- Marinade the Meat: For deeper flavors, marinate the game meat in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust for Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of salt.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
Closing Thoughts
I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Sugo di Cacciagione seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>