Spaghetti alla 'nduja: fiery taste of Calabria
Spaghetti alla ’Nduja
A Fiery Calabrian Pasta Full of Bold Southern Flavor
This simple but fiery pasta is a love letter to southern Italy, where bold flavours reign supreme. Spaghetti alla ’Nduja brings together silky tomato sauce and the unmistakable heat of Calabrian ’nduja — a soft, spreadable salami known for its deep flavour and spicy kick.
As the ’nduja melts into the sauce, it creates a rich, vibrant base that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti. The result is a dish that is bold, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying.
If you enjoy the intense flavours of ’nduja, you might also love another rustic Italian favourite: Bucatini al Cinghiale, a hearty pasta with wild boar and Pecorino.
🕒 Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Serves: 4
Why ’Nduja Makes Such a Great Pasta Sauce
’Nduja is one of Calabria’s most distinctive ingredients. Unlike traditional cured salami, it has a soft texture that melts easily when heated.
This unique quality makes it perfect for pasta sauces.
In this dish:
- ’Nduja melts into the sauce, creating richness and spice
- Cherry tomato sauce balances the heat with natural sweetness
- Garlic and olive oil form the aromatic base
- Fresh basil adds brightness and freshness
Together they create a sauce that is bold, silky and deeply flavourful.
Ingredients
From Our Kitchen to Yours
- 500 g spaghetti
- 100 g Calabrian ’nduja
- 1 jar cherry tomato sauce (about 400 g)
From Your Pantry
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh basil, torn
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Equipment
Large saucepan
Wide sauté pan
Wooden spoon
Ladle (for pasta water)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Pour in the cherry tomato sauce and stir.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 10–15 minutes, until slightly thickened.
2. Melt the ’Nduja
Add the ’nduja in spoonfuls to the simmering sauce.
Stir gently as it melts into the tomatoes, creating a rich red sauce with a creamy texture.
Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil — the water should taste “salty like the sea.”
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
Before draining, reserve a ladle of pasta cooking water.
4. Bring Everything Together
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce.
Toss thoroughly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta.
Stir vigorously until every strand is covered in the spicy tomato sauce.
5. Finish the Dish
Remove the pan from the heat.
Add torn basil leaves and finish with:
- a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- freshly cracked black pepper
Serve immediately while the sauce is glossy and aromatic.
How to Serve
Twirl the spaghetti into bowls, letting the sauce shine.
The deep red colour and creamy texture of the ’nduja-infused sauce make this dish as visually striking as it is delicious.
Finish with fresh basil for a touch of brightness.
Chef’s Tips
Adjust the Heat
’Nduja varies in spice level. Add gradually and taste as you go.
Use Pasta Water
A splash of starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
Don’t Overcook the Sauce
The tomatoes should remain vibrant and fresh rather than overly reduced.
Choose Good Olive Oil
A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the richness of the dish.
A Little History
’Nduja originates from Calabria, a region in southern Italy known for its love of chilli peppers and bold flavours.
Traditionally made from pork and Calabrian chilli, this spreadable salami was once considered humble countryside food. Today it has become one of Italy’s most celebrated ingredients.
When melted into tomato sauce, it creates one of the most distinctive pasta dishes of southern Italian cuisine.
Bring Italy to Your Table
With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking process, Spaghetti alla ’Nduja delivers the bold flavours of Calabria in every bite.
Spicy salami, bright tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta — a simple dish with unforgettable character.