Easy Italian Comfort: Sausage and Fennel Pasta Recipe

Twirling forks around a comforting sausage and fennel pasta promises pure culinary joy.

Aromatic fennel seeds dance through each savory bite with surprising elegance.

Rustic Italian kitchens inspire this simple yet sophisticated dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Robust sausage mingles perfectly with delicate pasta strands, creating complex layers of flavor.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, hinting at Mediterranean comfort without overwhelming delicate palates.

Fresh herbs and a splash of white wine elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

One forkful transports you to sun-drenched Italian countryside landscapes.

Let’s make something delicious that sparks conversation and connection.

Sausage And Fennel Pasta That Surprises With Flavor

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delicious pasta in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner solution.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine spicy sausage, aromatic fennel, and zesty tomatoes for a mouthwatering dish that delivers bold, restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Designed with gluten-free pasta, this recipe welcomes those with dietary restrictions without compromising on incredible flavor and texture.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet and simple ingredients, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess while maximizing deliciousness, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.

What Blends in Sausage and Fennel Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta: A versatile base that accommodates dietary needs, offering a wheat-free alternative with similar texture.
• Pasta Water: Essential starchy liquid for creating smooth, clinging sauce consistency.

• Sausage: Hearty meat component providing rich, savory flavor and substantial protein.
• Fennel: Crisp vegetable with subtle licorice-like taste that adds depth and slight crunch.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense, warm flavor to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, bright base for the sauce with natural acidity and texture.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps build complex sauce flavor and adds moisture.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing ingredients and providing smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich topping that enhances overall dish flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spicy complexity to the sauce.
• Oregano: Dried herb contributing earthy, Mediterranean-style seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced and enhanced taste.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic garnish with fresh, green flavor for final brightness.

Sausage and Fennel Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it following the package directions.

Once done, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set it aside.

Drain the pasta and keep it ready for the next magical step.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Warm up a generous splash of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into delicious bite-sized pieces.

Cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown and develops those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic with Fennel and Garlic

Toss the fennel into the skillet and let it dance around for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Sprinkle in the garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute to wake up all those incredible aromas.

Step 4: Build the Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to become best friends and create a rich, mouthwatering sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Introduce the cooked pasta to the sauce, giving everything a good toss.

If the sauce seems a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create a silky, dreamy consistency.

Shower the dish with freshly grated Parmesan and scatter some vibrant basil leaves on top.

Serve piping hot and get ready to dive into pasta paradise!

Pasta Tips For Sausage And Fennel

• Select high-quality gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or corn to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushy results.
• Break sausage into small, even crumbles for consistent cooking and maximum flavor development in the skillet.
• Cut fennel into uniform thin slices to ensure even cooking and a tender, sweet flavor profile throughout the dish.
• Use reserved pasta water strategically to create a silky, well-coated sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta without being too thick or thin.
• Customize red pepper flakes and fresh basil quantities to match your personal heat preference and create a personalized flavor experience.

Pasta With Sausage That Stores With No Fuss

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or bags, preserving quality for up to 2 months without compromising taste.
• Warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring gently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Heat pasta in 30-second intervals, adding a tablespoon of broth between each interval to keep the dish moist and prevent drying out.

Perfect Sides For Fennel Pasta

• Savor Robust Red Wine: Pair this hearty sausage pasta with a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the dish.
• Enhance Herbal Notes: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio to balance the fennel's subtle anise-like taste and cut through the sausage's richness.
• Create Flavor Harmony: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the pasta's intense profile.
• Elevate Bread Pairing: Offer crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural complement to the pasta.

Sausage Pasta Veggie Additions

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while keeping the dish creamy.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers robust Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Enhance the recipe by adding fresh rosemary, increasing red pepper flakes, and incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of intense, zesty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with regular pasta. The recipe works perfectly with any type of pasta you prefer.

• What if I can't find fresh fennel?

You can use thinly sliced onions as a substitute. The onions will provide a similar aromatic base for the sauce.

• Is it okay to use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or even plant-based sausage will work well in this recipe. Choose your favorite or what’s available.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount or omit them completely. You can always add more to taste.

Sausage and Fennel Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage and fennel pasta delivers a rustic Italian comfort wrapped in aromatic herbs and robust flavors. Savory sausage mingles with delicate fennel, creating a delightful symphony that promises to satisfy you with its simple yet sophisticated charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 12 ounces (340 grams) gluten-free pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the gluten-free pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, keeping aside a half-cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil, then crumble the sausage into the pan and sauté until it develops a rich, golden-brown crust.
3. Introduce chopped fennel to the skillet, allowing it to soften and become translucent, then add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring to release their aromatic essence.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and sprinkle in dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, letting the mixture simmer and meld together for several minutes.
5. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the robust sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. If the consistency seems thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, glossy finish.
6. Remove from heat and generously dust with grated Parmesan cheese, then garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, herbaceous touch before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Use gluten-free pasta and check sausage ingredients to create a completely gluten-free meal that doesn’t compromise taste or texture.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial one-pan dinner with minimal extra effort.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a perfectly coated and silky pasta dish that isn’t too dry or watery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg