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Home » Recipes » Seafood & Lake Fish Pasta Recipes

Published: Jan 16, 2022 by Jacqui

Pasta with Truffles and Mascarpone Cream


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Nothing makes an Italian meal more decadent than including a truffle or two. And, this tagliolini pasta with truffles and mascarpone cream is probably the most luxurious truffle pasta I have ever eaten! This 5-star, restaurant-worthy dish needs only 4 ingredients apart from the pasta and takes just 30 minutes to prepare! Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and birthdays.

pasta with truffles and mascarpone

Pasta al tartufo e crema di mascarpone.

At Christmas, we received a very special gift from close friends, at least special if you love truffles! The gift was a lovely truffle shaver/serving set in a wooden box (see pic below). With the set was a beautiful fresh black truffle! So, of course, I wanted to find a pasta with black truffle recipe to use it in.

Coincidently, I’d been planning to do a mascarpone pasta recipe to publish here on The Pasta Project. Pasta with mascarpone is traditional in Lombardy, where mascarpone was first made in the late 16th and early 17th century. There they make a pasta al mascarpone with maltagliata pasta, egg yolks, nutmeg, mascarpone and Parmigiano cheese. That was the recipe I had in mind and will be doing soon.

pasta with truffles and mascarpone cream

But receiving the truffle changed my plans a little. Although not traditional in any one part of Italy, pasta with truffles and mascarpone is a pretty popular Italian truffle pasta recipe. At least, I found quite a few versions of it on Italian language recipe sites. However, the most popular way to make this dish is as in this recipe using egg ribbon pasta, mascarpone, garlic and anchovies!

Truffle shaver/serving set in wooden box
Our truffle shaver/serving set.

What exactly are truffles?

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows near tree roots, mostly the roots of chestnut, oak, hazel, and beech trees. The word ‘truffle’ derives from the Latin ‘tuber’, which means outgrowth. Truffles have been eaten and enjoyed since the time of the Sumerians and ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians loved them and ate them covered in goose fat!

ingredients for truffle and mascarpone cream sauce
Step 1 gather your ingredients

What is the difference between black and white truffles?

There are two main kinds of truffles: white and black. White truffles are smooth with a slightly yellow tinge and a heady musky aroma. They are rarer and much more expensive than black truffles because they are almost impossible to farm. Black truffles have a rough exterior which looks like tree bark and have an earthy more subtle flavour than white truffles. They are much more common. Plus, they are easier to farm and there are black truffle farms in other countries including the USA.

black truffle on tablespoon in white bowl

Here in Italy, black truffles are harvested or foraged nearly all year round. But, the type of black truffle varies with the season. There are summer black truffles called tartufo estivo or scozone. These truffles are found from the beginning of May to the end of August and again in September and November.

Then there are different kinds of winter black truffles which appear on restaurant menus from the middle of November to the middle of March! So, it’s obviously winter black truffle season now!  These truffles can be found in several parts of Italy, including Veneto where I live.

Garlic cloves and anchovy pieces cooking in olive oil in white frying pan
Step 2 Sauté the garlic in olive oil then add anchovy pieces.

How much do truffles cost?

Because they are more common than white truffles, black truffles cost less, but they are still highly valued in the kitchen. Nor are they that cheap. Today, the best black truffles cost around 730 euros per kilo (2.2lbs). Not surprisingly, Italians often refer to them as ‘black gold’.

White truffles are rarer, so they subsequently cost much more. The most famous white truffles come from the countryside around the cities of Alba and Asti in Piemonte, Northern Italy. However, they are also found in Marche near Urbino, in Molise and Abruzzo and in Tuscany.

mascarpone in frying pan with anchovies and olive oil
Step 3 Remove the garlic and add the mascarpone

This year, fresh white truffles are expected to cost between 130 and 350 euros per 100g (3.5oz), depending on the size of the truffle!! These prices are according to the truffle stock exchange. And, yes, there’s a truffle stock exchange!

How do Italians eat black truffles?

Truffles are a bit of an acquired taste. But, it’s one I have definitely acquired! My favourite way to eat them is actually shaved onto a fried egg! However, Italians eat truffles with different dishes. The most popular is in pasta recipes like this truffle and mascarpone tagliolini. In risotto is also very traditional, especially here in Northern Italy.  I’ve also had truffles on steak, eggs, bruschetta and pizza! Although the dish can depend on the type of truffle being used.

truffle shavings on white napkin
Step 4 Shave the truffle onto a plate or napkin.

What is mascarpone?

As I mentioned above, mascarpone original comes from Lombardy, where it was first made in the late 16th and early 17th century. Mascarpone is similar in taste and texture to crème fraiche or British clotted cream. It’s what’s called an acid-set cream cheese, meaning it’s been curdled by natural souring. Sometimes, it’s made using cream and tartaric acid residue from barreled wine.

mascarpone cream in frying pan with small pieces of truffle in it.
Step 5 Once the mascarpone has become more liquid, add some small pieces of truffle.

Most people know mascarpone as the main ingredient in tiramisu. But, here in Italy, it’s used in lots of other dishes. Italians use it in risottos, cheesecake, other cakes, in pies, on pizza and in lots of pasta recipes like this truffle pasta recipe.

Apparently, mascarpone is easy to make at home with cream and lemon juice, although I have never tried it! My favourite way to eat mascarpone is with gorgonzola. In fact, we can buy ready combined mascarpone and gorgonzola in most supermarkets. Absolutely delicious!

fresh tagliolini on wooden board
Step 6 Cook the pasta al dente ( I used fresh tagliolini)

Other ingredients in this pasta with truffles and mascarpone.

Apart from the truffles and mascarpone, the sauce for this recipe contains just garlic and anchovies. Yes, anchovies. Vegetarians can, of course, leave the anchovies out. But, melting anchovies into sauces is a popular Italian culinary ‘trick’. Contrary to what many people may think, anchovies don’t add a fishy taste to dishes. Instead, they give a sauce a more umami flavour.

Step 7 Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the mascarpone sauce.

Because this pasta with truffles and mascarpone is so special, I used Cantabrian anchovies from Northern Spain. Cantabrian anchovies are considered to be the best anchovies in the world and have become quite à la mode. Of course, they cost more than other types so you can use normal anchovies.  Choose anchovy fillets preserved in oil.

The best pasta to use.

Most recipes for pasta with truffles and mascarpone call for egg pasta ribbons such as tagliatelle, pappardelle or tagliolini. I used the latter because not only is it my favourite long egg pasta, but it’s also the most traditional type in truffle and pasta dishes. You can read more in my tagliolini post.

Step 8 Add truffle shavings to each plate and serve immediately.

How to make pasta with truffles and mascarpone.

Making this divine pasta with truffles is very easy. All you have to do is sauté the garlic in olive oil. Add the anchovies and stir until they ‘melt’. Then remove the garlic and add the mascarpone and stir again. Once the mascarpone has become more liquid add salt and pepper to taste and some pieces of chopped black truffle and the sauce is ready! It’s important not to let the mascarpone boil, so keep the heat low.

Pasta with truffles and mascarpone cream

While you are making the sauce, you can have a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Add salt once it starts to boil and then cook the pasta al dente. If using fresh egg pasta, it won’t take very long to cook. Drain the pasta and add it to the mascarpone sauce. Mix well and plate. Add shaved slices of truffle over each plate. How much you use depends on how much you like truffles and how much you have!

If you make this truffle pasta recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Please write a comment here on the blog, email me or post a comment on the Pasta Project Facebook page.

Your feedback is really appreciated!

Buon Appetito!

Pasta with truffles and mascarpone cream

Pasta with truffles and mascarpone cream.

Jacqueline De Bono
This 5-star luxurious Italian pasta with truffles and mascarpone needs only 4 ingredients apart from the pasta and takes just 30 minutes to prepare! Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and birthdays.
5 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean, Northern Italy
Servings 4
Calories 478 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 320 g fresh tagliolini pasta (11oz) or tagliatelle or pappardelle
  • 1-2 black truffles (40g/1.5oz) brushed clean
  • 1-2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 4 anchovy fillets (preserved in olive oil)
  • 250 g mascarpone (9oz)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
  • salt for pasta and to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper. to taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel the garlic and brush clean the truffle/s
  • Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan. Sauté the garlic cloves until they start to brown slightly. Add the anchovies cut into small pieces. Once the anchovies have melted, remove the garlic and add the mascarpone. Stir over a low heat until it becomes more liquid. Add salt and pepper to taste and some small pieces of truffle. Cook for another minute or so then your sauce is ready!
  • While you are cooking the mascarpone sauce, put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Add salt once it starts to boil and bring to the boil again. Cook the pasta al dente. Fresh pasta cooks pretty fast (5 mins). Save a cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the mascarpone sauce. If your sauce seems dry add some pasta cooking water. Mix together well and plate.
  • Shave some truffle slices onto eachplate. Serve immediately!

Notes

Most Italian recipes for pasta with truffles and mascarpone call for egg pasta ribbons such as tagliatelle, pappardelle or tagliolini. You can use fresh or dried pasta.
For truffle substitutes see below the recipe instructions.
Keyword authentic Italian pasta recipe, black truffles, mascarpone, mascarpone pasta, tagliolini, truffle pasta

Other truffle pasta recipes on The Pasta Project.

  1. Tagliolini with truffles and taleggio
  2. Pasta alla Norcina
  3. Ricotta gnudi with truffles
  4. Tagliolini with white truffles
  5. Pappardelle with walnut sauce and truffles

Truffle substitutes.

Truffles are expensive but if you love the flavour and can’t afford or find fresh truffles, there are some substitutes. These include truffle oil, paste, butter, salt and truffles preserved in oil. The most important thing to look out for with some products is to be sure they have been made with real truffles! Very often and particularly with lower cost products the flavouring is artificial. Check the label!

For this recipe, I think truffles preserved in oil would be a good substitute for fresh or some truffle paste or butter melted in the pan before adding the mascarpone. Alternatively, you can substitute the truffles with other ingredients such as dried porcini mushrooms, which have a similar earthy flavour.

Check out my shop page!

If you are interested in learning how to make homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of one of my pasta recipe cookbooks or checkout some recommended pasta making tools? All great prezzies for pasta lovers!


More Seafood & Lake Fish Pasta Recipes

  • Smoked Salmon Pasta Rosettes (rolls)
  • Pasta with Breadcrumbs Recipe from Basilicata.
  • Anchovy Pasta Recipe from Naples
  • Italian Cold Spaghetti Salad with Shrimp

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. HITESH PATEL says

    November 07, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    can i cook this recipe without Anchovy fillets? I am vegetarian.

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      November 07, 2022 at 9:54 pm

      Hi, yes it works without anchovies as well. Do let me know how it turns out.

      Reply
  2. Jenny says

    January 24, 2022 at 2:52 pm

    I am no expert in making pasta with truffles or with anything really. I was gifted two precious truffles from a chef friend and it was so great trying them with your recipe, the dish came out so good, your instructions are very well written. I will make it again!

    Reply
  3. Hayley Dhanecha says

    January 24, 2022 at 11:25 am

    Just a few days ago I was watching a programme on Italian black truffles. They had trained special dogs to find the truffles, loved watching that programme. Pasta and truffles go hand in hand, would love to have it one day.

    Reply
  4. Nicoletta De Angelis says

    January 23, 2022 at 9:05 am

    What a gift you got! Black truffle is definitely saved for special occasions and this easy and tasty pasta would be the perfect use for it.

    Reply
  5. Jessica says

    January 22, 2022 at 5:38 pm

    What a luxurious dish perfect for a special occasion! I’m going to try and get my hands on some truffles and serve this to my love for Valentine’s day. He will be so pleased. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  6. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

    January 20, 2022 at 5:54 pm

    Hopefully I would be able to get my hands on truffle someday. For now I have to make do with the truffle oil. After reading through your post, I can’t wait to go on a trip to Italy to try some amazing food.

    Reply
  7. Veronika Sykorova says

    January 19, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    The first time I tried truffles was on udon noodles at this vegan restaurant in Toronto and I was hooked instantly! I love mascarpone as a special treat sometimes and loved this pasta! My family enjoyed it too!

    Reply
  8. Marta says

    January 19, 2022 at 5:08 am

    I couldn’t afford to splurge on black truffles, but I did manage to get some decent truffle oil. Your swaps helped me make this pasta with mascarpone cream in spite of my wallet, LOL!

    Reply
  9. Liz says

    January 18, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    This dish looks delicious! I love a good Italian dish to eat! Excited to give this recipe a try!

    Reply
  10. Bernice says

    January 17, 2022 at 7:46 pm

    What a lovely gift! I adore truffles and one day I’d love to go truffle hunting in Alba. I also love eating truffles on eggs (store the eggs and truffles together in an air tight container for extra flavour!) and in a creamy pasta sauce such as this one. Now I’m craving truffle!

    Reply
  11. Gloria says

    January 17, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    Loving the sound of this pasta. I will have a hard time finding truffles here that is for sure. I do have some truffle oil that I might have to sub with.

    Reply
  12. Irena says

    January 17, 2022 at 12:52 am

    Your recipe has all my favourite things in it!!! Whenever I see any of those ingredients, I always end up trying it. I remember having a similar pasta in Italy but maybe without the mascarpone, but it truly is a wonderful addition.

    Reply
  13. Lisa says

    January 17, 2022 at 12:33 am

    This is definitely a restaurant quality dish! Now I have to go find some truffles to make it.

    Reply
  14. Toni says

    January 16, 2022 at 11:41 pm

    This recipe is excellent! It’s so easy and the flavors are delicious. I appreciate all the details about truffles and substitution ideas.

    Reply
  15. Kristen says

    January 16, 2022 at 11:21 pm

    This was fantastic! It was a treat my whole family loved!

    Reply
  16. Jamie says

    January 16, 2022 at 9:22 pm

    This was a delicious meal that my whole family loved! The truffles made it so decadent!

    Reply

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Buon giorno and welcome to my pasta project! My name is Jacqui. I’m originally a Londoner but in 2003 life’s journey brought me to the beautiful Veneto region of Italy where…

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