Savor Southern Comfort Meets Italian Flair: Georgia-Inspired Pasta Campagnolo

Georgia may be famous for its Southern cuisine, but when it comes to pasta, even Georgia’s rich culinary tradition embraces the hearty, robust flavors of Italy. One dish that perfectly marries Southern heartiness with Italian flair is Pasta Campagnolo, a classic inspired by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. This dish is the definition of comfort food: filled with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, a savory tomato-based sauce, and topped with creamy goat cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.

Photo byNick Davies

Picture this: rich sausage, slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then simmered in a wine-infused tomato sauce that’s packed with fresh basil, Romano cheese, and just the right amount of red pepper flakes to give it a subtle kick. The sauce is tossed with rigatoni, which captures every bit of that flavorful sauce, and topped with slices of tangy goat cheese that melt into the pasta as you take each bite. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in or for impressing guests with a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

This Georgia-inspired take on Pasta Campagnolo is ideal for any home cook who wants to bring bold, rustic Italian flavors into their kitchen with a Southern twist. The goat cheese, often found in Southern dishes, adds a creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce. Whether you're a pasta enthusiast or simply looking for a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Recipe: Georgia-Style Pasta Campagnolo Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided, plus additional for garnish
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked rigatoni or penne pasta
• ½ cup grated Romano cheese
• 1 package (4 ounces) goat cheese, cut crosswise into 8 slices

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Break the sausage into small pieces and add to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for another 4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Pour in the wine and cook for about 5 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce along with the Romano cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of basil. Stir gently to coat the pasta and cook until everything is heated through.
4. Top the pasta with slices of goat cheese and garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.

This Pasta Campagnolo is a dish that brings the flavors of Italy straight to your dinner table with a Georgia twist. The rich, savory sausage and creamy goat cheese are balanced by the acidity of the tomatoes and the fresh brightness of basil. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or looking for a new hearty pasta dish to add to your repertoire, this Georgia-style Pasta Campagnolo is a must-try. The blend of bold flavors and creamy textures will keep everyone at the table coming back for seconds!

Sources:

Family Recipe