Penne with Sausage and Fennel
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, aromatic fennel, and a simple tomato sauce. This comforting Italian-American classic is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
- c.Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 9-11 minutes.
- d.Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sausage meat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until it's browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced fennel and chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage drippings.
- c.Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to caramelize.
- d.Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build and Simmer the Sauce
- b.Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, about 2-3 minutes.
- c.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- d.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine.
- c.Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta.
- d.If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) until it reaches a silky, coating consistency.
- e.Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved fennel fronds and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a high-quality Italian sausage from a local butcher if possible.
- 2Don't skip reserving the pasta water. The starch in the water is essential for creating a smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- 3Slicing the fennel thinly ensures it becomes tender and sweet as it cooks, blending beautifully with the other flavors.
- 4Let the wine cook off almost completely before adding the tomatoes. This burns off the harsh alcohol flavor, leaving only the rich acidity.
- 5For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of whole fennel seeds along with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Sauce
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the very end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Omit the sausage and use 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans or chickpeas (drained and rinsed). Add them with the crushed tomatoes.
Add GreensAdd Greens
Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of the sauce simmering for added nutrients.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the penne with your favorite gluten-free short pasta. Cook according to package directions.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The Italian sausage provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Supports Digestive Health
Fennel and onion are good sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Provides B Vitamins
Both pork sausage and enriched pasta are good sources of B vitamins, such as niacin and thiamine, which are crucial for converting food into energy.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Penne with Sausage and Fennel contains approximately 850-950 calories, depending on the specific type of sausage and amount of cheese used. It is a very hearty and satisfying main course.