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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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