Authentic Ziti alla Zozzona Recipe with Savory Italian Sausage

When you think about comfort food, the rich and savory flavors of Ziti alla Zozzona will likely dance in your mind. This dish combines tender pasta with a hearty sauce made from Italian sausage and guanciale, making it a perfect meal for cozy nights at home or festive gatherings with family and friends. The aromas of sizzling meat and ripe tomatoes are guaranteed to entice even the pickiest eaters in your home.

Picture this: a chilly evening where the wind howls outside, and there you are, in your kitchen, stirring a big pot of this glorious Ziti alla Zozzona. It’s a love letter to Italian cooking, perfect for bringing people together. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner with the family or an impromptu gathering with friends, this dish is sure to leave everyone wishing for seconds and begging for the recipe.

Ingredients for Ziti alla Zozzona

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Ziti alla Zozzona:

4 oz guanciale – This rich, cured pork adds depth and a unique flavor to your sauce. Look for high-quality guanciale for the best taste.

1/2 lb hot Italian sausage – This sausage introduces a delightful spiciness; if you prefer milder flavors, opt for sweet Italian sausage instead.

1 yellow onion – Finely chopped, this sweet veggie will mellow as it cooks, adding a sweet undertone to the sauce.

2 cloves garlic – Chop finely for a boost of aromatic goodness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

4 egg yolks – These add richness and creaminess to the pasta, creating a luxurious texture.

1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese – Use fresh cheese for the best flavor; it will melt beautifully into the dish.

1 parmesan rind – If you have it on hand, this adds a robust umami note to the sauce as it simmers.

1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes – The base of your sauce, these tomatoes bring vibrant flavor and sweetness.

1/4 cup tomato paste – This intensifies the tomato flavor and contributes to a thicker texture.

1 tbsp chopped Calabrian chilis – Adding a kick, Calabrian chilis are a spicy addition that can be adjusted based on your heat preference.

1 lb dried tubular pasta – Traditionally ziti or rigatoni is used here; they hold onto the sauce wonderfully.

kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper – Essential for seasoning, adjust these to your taste preferences.

olive oil – A splash of olive oil enhances the richness and aids in cooking.

How to Make Ziti alla Zozzona

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Ziti alla Zozzona:

Step 1: Start with the Guanciale
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped guanciale along with a splash of olive oil. Cook it until the fat renders out and the pork turns golden brown. Once done, remove the guanciale with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Pour the remaining pork fat into a separate container, keeping about a tablespoon in the pot.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage
Increase the heat to medium-high. Break the hot Italian sausage into 2-3 inch pieces and add them to the pot. Sear until they become beautifully caramelized and golden brown. Transfer the sausage to the same bowl as the guanciale and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Return the pot to medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a tablespoon of the reserved pork fat along with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent, then add the chopped garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and a bit more pork fat if needed. Cook until the paste caramelizes and sticks to the bottom of the pan. After this, add the whole peeled tomatoes (crushing them by hand), Calabrian chilis, the cooked sausage, and guanciale. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to a low simmer, and add the parmesan rind if you’re using it. Simmer partially covered for 30-45 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s almost al dente (about 2 minutes shy of the package directions). Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pasta directly into the red sauce, making sure to reserve some of the pasta water. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes to absorb those luscious flavors.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
In a large heat-safe bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Gradually mix in about 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water while whisking continuously. Now, check the pasta’s doneness; if it’s undercooked, simmer longer and add more pasta water as needed. Once it’s cooked to perfection, turn off the heat and stir in the egg mixture, tossing gently to combine. Finish by serving on plates topped with more pecorino cheese and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper.

Transfer to plates and add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your homemade Ziti alla Zozzona with loved ones, and revel in the happy faces as they savor each bite. Your kitchen will soon become the hub of delicious memories.

Perfecting Ziti alla Zozzona Cooking Process

Sear the guanciale and Italian sausage first to get those delicious flavors going. While the meat renders its fat and crisps up, you can chop and sauté your onions and garlic in the same pot for maximum efficiency and taste.

Add Your Touch to Ziti alla Zozzona

Feel free to mix it up with your spice level; you can swap the hot Italian sausage for sweet sausage or add extra Calabrian chilis for more heat. Toss in veggies like spinach or zucchini for a nutritious twist!

Storing & Reheating Ziti alla Zozzona

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of extra pasta water to keep the dish creamy and prevent it from drying out.

One tip: don’t skimp on the cracked black pepper! It adds a delightful kick that balances the richness of the sausage and guanciale.

Another tip: always taste your sauce while it simmers. It helps you adjust seasoning for that perfect flavor just as your nonna would have done!

Last but not least, save some pasta water! This liquid magic works wonders for adjusting the sauce’s consistency, giving it that luxurious silky feel.

There was a time when I proudly served this Ziti alla Zozzona at a dinner party, and the compliments were endless. Friends and family kept returning for seconds, and I felt like a culinary rock star.

FAQs About Ziti alla Zozzona

What is Ziti alla Zozzona?

Ziti alla Zozzona is a delicious Italian pasta dish that features a rich and savory sauce made from guanciale, hot Italian sausage, and a medley of tomatoes. The dish is characterized by its creamy texture, which comes from a luscious combination of egg yolks and cheese. Traditionally served with tubular pasta, Ziti alla Zozzona is perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings. With its bold flavors and comforting essence, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

How do I make Ziti alla Zozzona creamy?

The secret to achieving a creamy Ziti alla Zozzona lies in the careful incorporation of egg yolks and cheese. After cooking the pasta, temper the egg yolks with hot pasta water before adding them to the sauce. This technique prevents the eggs from scrambling and allows them to create a silky-smooth coating on the pasta. Be sure to also adjust the sauce’s consistency with pasta water for the best results.

Can I customize the Ziti alla Zozzona recipe?

Absolutely! One of the beautiful aspects of Ziti alla Zozzona is its versatility. You can easily swap out the hot Italian sausage for sweet sausage if you prefer a milder flavor. Additionally, feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the nutrition and flavor profile. And don’t forget to adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer Calabrian chilis based on your taste preference.

What can I serve with Ziti alla Zozzona?

Ziti alla Zozzona pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the dish. Alternatively, serve it with crusty garlic bread for a comforting Italian meal. A glass of bold red wine like Chianti will elevate the dining experience, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.

Conclusion for Ziti alla Zozzona

Ziti alla Zozzona is a delightful Italian dish that brings a comforting touch to any meal. The combination of savory meats, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy egg sauce make it truly irresistible. With options for customization and delicious sides to serve, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress friends or family. Whether for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, Ziti alla Zozzona will undoubtedly be a hit at your table.

Authentic Ziti alla Zozzona Recipe with Savory Italian Sausage

Experience the rich flavors of Ziti alla Zozzona, a creamy and savory Italian dish perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Meat

• 4 oz guanciale, chopped into fine matchsticks
• 1/2 lb hot Italian sausage

Vegetables

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Dairy

• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Canned Goods

• 1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chopped Calabrian chilis

Pasta

• 1 lb dried tubular pasta

Seasoning

• kosher salt
• fresh cracked black pepper
• olive oil
• 1 parmesan rind optional

Equipment

• large dutch oven
• Slotted Spoon
• whisk
• heat safe bowl

Method

 

Cooking Process

1. Heat a large dutch oven over medium low heat. Add the guanciale to the cold pan along with a splash of olive oil and cook until the fat has rendered out and pork is golden brown. Remove the guanciale from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour the pork fat into a separate container, leaving behind about a tbsp, and set aside.
2. Heat the same pan over medium-high. Break up the ground sausage into 2-3 inch pieces and sear in the pan until golden brown and caramelized. Transfer sausage into the same bowl as the guanciale and set aside.
3. Return the same pan to medium-high heat and add the onion along with a tbsp of the pork fat and a pinch of salt. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another 60 seconds.
4. Add the tomato paste and additional pork fat if needed. Cook until the tomato paste has caramelized and begins sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. Add the hand crushed tomatoes, Calabrian chilis, sausage, and guanciale into the pan. Mix to combine and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Add a parmesan rind if using. Simmer, partially covered, for 30-45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
6. Cook the pasta al dente in boiling salted water about 2 minutes shy of package directions. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pasta directly into the red sauce and save the pasta water. Simmer the pasta in the red sauce for about 2 minutes.
7. In a large heat safe bowl, combine egg yolks, cheese, and lots of fresh cracked black pepper. Whisk to combine. Gradually add about 1/4 cup of hot pasta water into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
8. Taste the pasta for doneness. Simmer longer if undercooked, adding more pasta water as needed. Once fully cooked, turn off the heat and add the egg mixture. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water as needed until the consistency is slightly loose.
9. To serve, top with more pecorino and fresh cracked black pepper.
10. For Baked Ziti alla Zozzona, reduce pasta cooking time, add extra pasta water, transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella and pecorino cheese, and bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes. Broil for an extra crispy top if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This amazing Ziti alla Zozzona offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don't skimp on the cracked black pepper for a delightful kick. Always taste your sauce while it simmers to adjust seasoning for perfect flavor.

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