Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Tuscany. This Pasta with Fennel and Sausage is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With its perfect balance of savory sausage, aromatic fennel, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will impress both family and dinner guests alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the fennel bulb from refrigeration and trim off the stalks. Slice the bulb thinly, ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely, creating small, uniform pieces that will distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
- Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add sliced fennel to the skillet with the sausage, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the fennel becomes slightly softened and translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic qualities without burning.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate additional flavor.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with sausage and fennel, tossing to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting with reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the flavors of fennel, sausage, and pasta to meld together beautifully.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Select a high-quality Italian sausage and fresh fennel bulb for the most authentic flavor.
- Slice Fennel Uniformly: Thin, consistent slices ensure even cooking and a beautiful texture throughout the dish.
- Don't Rush the Sausage: Allow the sausage to brown properly to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water to help create a silky sauce and help ingredients bind together.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the dish.
- Timing is Key: Cook the pasta al dente and add it to the skillet immediately to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Wine Tip: Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the dish's overall taste.
- Season Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper, remembering that the sausage will already add some saltiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
