Tagliatelle al Tartufo: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever indulged in the earthy, HUGE luxurious flavor of truffles, then Tagliatelle al Tartufo is sure to captivate your taste buds. This Italian dish showcases fresh tagliatelle pasta paired with a simple yet elegant truffle sauce, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. From my own personal experience, nothing elevates a meal quite like the distinct aroma of truffles wafting through the kitchen. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish, bringing the rich flavors of Italy right to your table.

Notes on What to Expect

When you make Tagliatelle al Tartufo, expect a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the delicate pasta, highlighted by the unique and aromatic flavor of truffles. The dish is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$25 (depending on the quality of truffles)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, skillet, colander, wooden spoon, truffle shaver or microplane, serving bowls
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Tagliatelle al Tartufo  here.

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh tagliatelle pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)
• For the Truffle Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 oz (30 g) fresh black truffle (or truffle oil, if unavailable)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Tagliatelle al Tartufo  here.

Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook Tagliatelle: Add the fresh tagliatelle to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 2-3 minutes for fresh pasta. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare the Truffle Sauce

3. Heat Butter and Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become fragrant.
4. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
5. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Incorporate Truffles: If using fresh truffles, clean them and thinly slice using a truffle shaver or microplane. Stir the truffle slices into the cream sauce. If using truffle oil, add it at this stage instead. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

7. Mix Together: Add the drained tagliatelle directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta and finish with additional truffle shavings or a drizzle of truffle oil, if desired. Top with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for extra flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the truffles and use mushrooms sautéed in butter for a similar earthy flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter and cream with vegan alternatives and use nutritional yeast in place of cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tagliatelle made from rice or quinoa.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Tagliatelle al Tartufo  here.

Tips and Substitutions

• Truffles: If fresh truffles are not available, truffle oil can be a great substitute, but use it sparingly as it can be quite strong.
• Fresh Pasta: If you can’t find fresh tagliatelle, dried pasta can be used, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Adjusting Creaminess: For a lighter dish, reduce the amount of cream or substitute half-and-half.

Notes on What to Expect

When you make Tagliatelle al Tartufo, expect a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the delicate pasta, highlighted by the unique and aromatic flavor of truffles. The dish is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Tagliatelle al Tartufo seem a little less daunting! 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. Happy cooking!