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Sausage and Fennel Pasta recipe

This Sausage and Fennel Pasta recipe is a cozy pasta recipe to begin the fall season. Packed with savory sausage and caramelized fennel, the two flavors come together into a beautiful dish that is perfect for family dinners. Save this to Pinterest now so you can make it!
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian, Italian American
Keyword: sausage and fennel pasta, sausage and fennel pasta recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 - 6 servings
Author: Rachel

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for water
  • 1 large saute pan for the sausage/sauce

Ingredients

For the pasta

  • 1 large pot of water Usually about 8 cups
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 box/bag Rigatoni pasta

For the sauce

  • 16 oz ground sweet Italian Sausage If you can't find ground then you an purchase it in casings and remove them.
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
  • 1/3 cup diced shallots
  • 3 cups sliced fennel Stand the fennel upright in the cups to measure and then pack each cup.
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter
  • 3/4 cup Pinot Grigio Or dry white wine.
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped, fresh sage leaves
  • 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 cup pasta water
  • 3 cups kale, packed
  • 1/2 cup smoke gouda cheese

Instructions

  • Heat large pot of water with the salt over medium to high heat. When it is boiling, add the pasta and cook per package directions.
  • Add the sweet Italian sausage to a large saute pan and brown. Then remove it from the pan with the drippings. However, do not wipe out the pan.
  • Add in the shallots and fennel and cook for 4-5 minutes. Stir regularly. Then add in the butter and garlic and cook for 4 minutes, stirring regularly.
  • Add in the white wine and deglaze the pan by scraping all the brown bits. Let the wine reduce to about 1/4 and then add in the chicken broth. Add in the heavy cream, fresh herbs and let simmer for about 3 minutes.
  • Add the sausage back in and and the pasta water. Mix everything together well before adding in the pasta. Mix well again.
  • Remove from the heat and add the kale, mix until the kale begins to wilt. Because it has a lot of volume before it is wilted, you might have to add it one cup at a time.
  • Add the smoked gouda cheese and mix before serving with additional fresh herbs, salt and pepper to taste.