Pasta alla Norcina (sausage + cream sauce)

Step 1

Combine the wine, water, and dried mushrooms in a small pot. Simmer over low heat until the mushrooms have softened, about 10 minutes. To remove any sediment, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or coffee filter (and reserve the liquid) and rinse off the mushrooms in fresh water. Set aside for the sauce.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion and stir occasionally until translucent and soft but not brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add in the sausage and cook while breaking it up with a spoon, until brown and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard the fat.

Step 3

Add in the mushrooms, mushroom liquid, heavy cream, and parmesan, stir to combine. Stir in the cooked noodles and bring to a simmer for a few minutes to help thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley (and additional parmesan, if desired), and serve immediately.