Introduction
Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel is a classic Italian pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of spicy sausage and sweet fennel creates a flavorful and comforting meal that is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is easy to make and can be on the table in just 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For 4 portions, you will need:
- 400g rigatoni pasta
- 4 spicy Italian sausages
- 1 large fennel bulb
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Remove the casings from the sausages and crumble the meat into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced fennel and onion. Cook until softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the tomato paste, heavy cream, and cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
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Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations
- Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add extra fennel and onion. You can also add some chopped mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Vegan: To make this dish vegan, omit the sausage and heavy cream. Instead, use a plant-based cream and add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rigatoni pasta instead of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!
FAQ
What kind of sausage should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of sausage, but we recommend using sweet Italian sausage for the best flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. However, we recommend using a short pasta like rigatoni or penne to help catch the sauce.
Do I have to use fresh fennel?
No, you can use fennel seeds instead of fresh fennel. Simply crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder before adding them to the recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve. However, the pasta may absorb some of the sauce during storage, so you may need to add a little extra sauce when reheating.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. We recommend freezing it in individual portions for easy reheating.
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. However, the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs. However, you will need to use less dried herbs than fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to this recipe for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. However, we recommend using a hard, salty cheese like Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for the best flavor.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use any type of meat you like. However, we recommend using a sausage or ground meat for the best texture and flavor.
