Winter Pasta with Sausage Fennel

This Winter Pasta with Sausage and Fennel is a warming, quick-to-prepare dish that features sweet fennel, savory sausage, and a light, aromatic sauce. It is a perfect meal for chilly nights when you want a hearty Italian-inspired dinner with minimal prep time.

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This recipe yields four servings and is classified as an easy, Italian-style main dish. Its simplicity lies in using high-quality ingredients like fresh fennel and authentic Italian sausage to create deep flavor quickly.

Ingredients

• 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 250 g (9 oz) Italian sausage, sweet or spicy, casings removed (use plant-based for vegetarian)
• 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• Fennel fronds or fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. If using sausage, add it to the pan, breaking up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove sausage to a plate.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté the fennel and onion with a pinch of salt for 4–5 minutes, until softened and slightly golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4

If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until mostly evaporated.

Step 5

Return sausage to the skillet (if using), add red pepper flakes, and stir to combine.

Step 6

Add drained pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Toss to coat, then stir in grated Parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Serve immediately, topped with chopped fennel fronds or parsley and extra Parmesan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When sautéing the fennel and onion, ensure they become softened and slightly golden to unlock their natural sweetness. It is crucial to reserve the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid helps create a cohesive sauce that binds the ingredients to the pasta.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage or use a plant-based alternative. To add more nutrition, stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end until wilted. For those who are gluten-sensitive, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is gluten-free.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the pasta immediately with an extra sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to balance the rich flavors of the sausage.

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With 520 calories and 23 grams of protein per serving, this Winter Pasta with Sausage and Fennel is a balanced and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen in just 20 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the sausage entirely or use a plant-based sausage alternative. The fennel and aromatics provide plenty of flavor on their own, and you can add extra vegetables like spinach or kale if desired.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because they catch the sauce and sausage pieces in their ridges and tubes. However, any short pasta will work beautifully.

→ Is the white wine necessary?

No, it's optional. The wine helps deglaze the pan and adds subtle acidity, but you can skip it or replace it with a splash of pasta water or vegetable broth instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Note that the pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.