Fettuccine Asparagi e Salsiccia: A Symphony of Flavors

"He's tall and slender, elegant and crisp. She's short, plump, and pungent. A couple like Laurel and Hardy, a love like Jessica and Roger Rabbit." This playful analogy introduces a dish where seemingly contrasting flavors unite in perfect harmony: Fettuccine Asparagi e Salsiccia, or Fettuccine with Asparagus and Sausage. It's a celebration of seasonal ingredients and a testament to the magic that happens when seemingly disparate elements come together.

The combination of asparagus and sausage is a winning one in any season, from the coldest to the warmest! This recipe is perfect when you want to approach more spring-like ingredients like asparagus without abandoning the more succulent ones of the winter season. Accompany the pasta with asparagus and sausage with a glass of white wine, and toast to this inseparable couple. Because when you find your soulmate, you never leave!

Ingredients: A Palette of Spring

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Salsiccia (Sausage): 300g. The star of the show, providing a rich, savory depth. While pork sausage is most common, feel free to experiment with veal, chicken, wild boar, or lamb.
• Asparagi (Asparagus): 250g. The harbinger of spring, lending a fresh, slightly bitter note and a delightful crunch.
• Tagliatelle: 500g. While tagliatelle are suggested in the ingredients, fettuccine is acceptable and appropriate as well. The pasta acts as the perfect canvas to absorb the flavors of the sauce. A long, flat pasta like tagliatelle or fettuccine works best to capture the creamy sauce.
• Cipolla (Onion): 50g, finely chopped. Forms the aromatic base of the sauce. Alternatively, a fresh spring onion (cipollotto fresco) can be used for a milder flavor.
• Vino Bianco Fermo (Dry White Wine): 40g. Adds a touch of acidity and complexity, deglazing the pan and enhancing the other flavors.
• Olio Extravergine di Oliva (Extra Virgin Olive Oil): 100g. The foundation of Italian cooking, providing richness and flavor.
• Parmigiano Grattugiato (Grated Parmesan Cheese): 30g. Adds a salty, umami richness and helps to bind the sauce. Pecorino Romano can also be used for a sharper flavor.
• Sale Fino (Fine Salt): q.b. (quanto basta - as needed). To season the pasta water and the sauce.
• Pepe Nero di Mulinello (Freshly Ground Black Pepper): q.b. (quanto basta - as needed). To add a touch of spice and complexity.
• Optional ingredients: Ricotta cheese can be added to the dish for extra creaminess.

Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Fettuccine Asparagi e Salsiccia is a straightforward process, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Here's a detailed guide:

1. Prepare the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus thoroughly. Snap off the tough ends of the stalks, typically the bottom inch or two. If the stalks are thick, peel the lower part with a vegetable peeler to remove any tough outer skin. Slice the asparagus into 1-2 inch pieces, separating the tips from the stalks. The tips will cook faster, so they are added later.
2. Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing. Crumble the sausage meat with your fingers or a knife.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (or cipollotto) and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Cook the Sausage: Add the crumbled sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If using, deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing it to evaporate completely.
5. Cook the Asparagus: Add the asparagus stalks to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Add the asparagus tips during the last few minutes of cooking, as they require less time. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
7. Combine and Finish: Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the pan with the sausage and asparagus. Toss to combine, adding a little pasta water at a time if needed to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
8. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Some reserved asparagus tips can be used for decoration.

Alternative Preparations and Tips

• Creamy Version: For a creamier sauce, add a dollop of ricotta cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until melted and combined.
• Asparagus Cream: Some recipes suggest pureeing the asparagus stalks with olive oil and a bit of cooking water to create a smooth, velvety cream. This can be added to the pasta along with the sautéed sausage and asparagus tips.
• Sausage Variation: For a spicier kick, use a spicy Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas for a vegetarian version.
• Wild Asparagus: If you have access to wild asparagus, use it! It has a more intense flavor and adds a unique touch to the dish.
• Presentation: To elevate the presentation, reserve some asparagus tips and arrange them artfully on top of the pasta before serving.

The Perfect Pairing: Wine and Ambiance

To fully appreciate the Fettuccine Asparagi e Salsiccia, consider pairing it with a crisp, dry white wine. A Pinot Grigio or a Vermentino would complement the flavors of the asparagus and sausage beautifully.

Leggi anche: Preparazione Fettuccine al Cacao

Set the table with a linen tablecloth, light some candles, and put on some Italian music. This dish is best enjoyed in good company, with laughter and conversation flowing as freely as the wine.

A Dish for All Seasons (and Skill Levels)

Fettuccine Asparagi e Salsiccia is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and the availability of ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the flavors of spring and the joy of Italian cooking.

Leggi anche: Ricetta facile e veloce: Fettuccine con Crema di Parmigiano

Leggi anche: Come preparare le Fettuccine Salsiccia

tags: #fettuccine #asparagi #e #salsiccia