Truffle pasta is a dish that is definitely worth a splurge every now and then if a fresh truffle is within your budget. If not, I have an alternative truffle pasta recipe which will easily satisfy that truffle craving, so read on!

If you ever see a white truffle giveaway, you should enter because I did, and I won! In fact there’s one happening right now on Citarella’s Instagram page (hurry as the contest ends October 31, 2023 – US residents, only). Don’t worry, I won’t enter this time to give someone else a chance to make truffle pasta! 🥰

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I received a sample of Sabatino truffle products, most of which I have already bought and used in the past. All opinions are my own.

With the exception of winning trips to Venice and Jamaica, it was one of the best prizes I’ve ever won (truly, the most delicious!)

The problem is, once you taste that phenomenal truffle flavor, you’re ready for more. So of course, I had to order and pay for fresh truffles the next time, ha ha! While white truffles are a business expense for me, I am well aware that most of you are not in the same position, and some of you may not have the budget to order fresh truffles, let alone white ones, so I want to address this first.

I have two versions of delicious truffle pasta recipes
to share with you~

One uses fresh white truffle, and the other uses real (but more affordable) truffle products.
Both result in a truffle pasta that will be a delight to enjoy!

truffle hunting — Truffle hunting in Piedmont a few years ago.

Aren’t Truffles Expensive?

Yes, some fresh truffles are very expensive, there’s no doubt about it. However, not all truffles will break the bank as there are varying prices depending on the color of the truffle (white or black) and the season (summer or winter).

As a quick point to understanding truffles: the more flavor and aroma, the more expensive they are. Therefore, summer truffles and black truffles, which aren’t as strong, are less expensive than white and winter truffles. If you’d like to read about my personal truffle hunting experience (yes, I helped dig one up!) scroll to the bottom.

white truffle pasta with a Parmigiano Reggiano crisp — Homemade egg pasta with white truffles and a Parmigiano Reggiano crisp.

*To make a Parmigiano crisp, simply grate some Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and sprinkle it into a nonstick pan to melt until crisp. Remove carefully, and allow to cool on a flat surface until set.

This is a truffle pasta that Cynthia (What a Girl Eats) and I had at Regina Sconta in Venice: phenomenal!

truffle pasta in Venice — Photo by What a Girl Eats

The Best Alternative to Whole Truffles

truffle zest Sabatino tartufi — All natural, no chemicals.

If you can’t source or afford fresh truffles, fear not! There’s plenty of other real truffle products that you can use instead. Here are some truffle products that I use and recommend. The ones that I have asterisked are my favorites. For example, this mushroom brie and arugula pizza with truffle crème fraîche contains no fresh truffle.

Another recipe to try: strozzapreti with mushrooms.

adding fettuccine to truffle cream sauce — Would you like this recipe for a truffle cream sauce?

With these products, you can mix and match to achieve your own truffle-based recipe. For example, use some truffle oil, truffle salt and truffle zest with some mushrooms and cream to create an unctuous truffle sauce for pasta, or to serve with a meat dish!

You will absolutely want to use the best quality ingredients you can find when making pasta with truffles. There’s no point in investing any amount of money in a fresh truffle only to use a poor quality pasta or butter.

Need a gift idea that will be used and appreciated? This truffle seasoning trio is sure to fit the bill!

If you’re not using homemade pasta, buy one that’s made in Italy using only durum wheat semolina and (eggs if it’s egg pasta). Rustichella d’Abruzzo is an excellent brand and you can find it in most Italian shops and online Italian food retailers.

Truffle Pasta

recipe by Christina Conte (addition of sage by Chef Paolo Affori) serves 2

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

pasta
salt
butter
Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
fresh truffle (or truffle products)
(fresh sage leaves – optional)

Special equipment: a truffle slicer

Directions

Cook the pasta as directed.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat until it bubbles and foams (add the sage leaves if using) and remove from the heat. (If using truffle products, add them now.)

When the pasta is al dente, drain using a pasta fork and transfer it directly into the melted butter.

Toss with the Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, adding some pasta water if needed.

Transfer to serving plates and top with more cheese, if desired.

Cover with thin slices of fresh truffle using a truffle slicer and serve immediately.

Enjoy every sumptuous bite!

Love cheese and truffles together? Try this authentic Italian truffle fondue recipe. Again, you can add some truffle products instead of using fresh truffle for a more cost-effective pasta with truffles dish.

Here are the recipes as promised. The first printable recipe uses fresh truffle, and the second one uses truffle products. Let me know if you make either one, and what you think!

Pasta with Fresh Truffles

Servings:

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

A simple, yet phenomenal dish of pasta with fresh truffle.

5 from 5 votes

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