Sausage and Fennel
Sausage and fennel is one of the most glorious (and underrated) flavour combinations. When you throw it in a creamy pasta things get real good real quick!
What type of sausage to use?
Ideally you’re looking for smoked sausage, something that’s already cooked through. You can use regular sausages, just squeeze out the meat from the casing. Sweet Italian sausage works nicely. In all cases just make sure it’s pork you’re using.
Fresh Fennel for the win!
By using fresh fennel you gain the texture as well as the flavour (as opposed to fennel seeds). Fennel has quite a pungent smell and taste, but when you cook it down (here I fry it in butter, obviously) it mellows out the flavour. It’s definitely apparent in this dish, but certainly not overwhelming.
Can I use Fennel Seeds?
I’ve personally never used seeds in this recipe, but if you want to give it a bash I recommend grinding the seeds into a powder. Around 1 tsp should work nicely. However again, can you really resist fresh strips of fennel softened and fried in butter? Can you!?!? Sorry. I’m passionate about butter.
Pasta with Fennel and Sausage
A lot of pasta fennel sausage recipes are actually tomato based, or at least a ‘creamy tomato’ kind of style. Here we’re going for a more creamy style pasta sauce. I love the rich, buttery tones of the sauce with the sweet, anise-like flavours of the fennel. It totally works. Plus, if you’ve been a reader of mine for a while you know a creamy pasta recipe hits the blog at least once a fortnight so here we are 😂
How to make Pasta with Fennel and Sausage (process shots)
Serving Fennel Sausage Pasta
Once plated up I LOVE sprinkling over a few pinches of smoked paprika. Bit left field I know, but it not only adds a pop of colour, but also brings out those gorgeous smoky tones of the sausage.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Creamy pasta dishes are notorious for going greasy upon reheating. As such, I recommend reheating over a low heat on the stove, using a splash of milk or stock to loosen up the sauce again. Keep gently stirring to avoid the sauce breaking.
If you’re looking for another gorgeous sausage and fennel combo be sure to check out my epic Sausage and Fennel Lasagne! For more similar quick and easy pasta dinners check out these too:
Creamy Pasta Recipes
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Creamy Mushroom Pasta Creamy One Pot Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta
How to make Sausage and Fennel Pasta (Full Recipe & Video)
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