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Orecchiette with Sausage and Fennel

Orecchiette with Sausage and Fennel

Pasquale Sciarappa
This recipe brings together the delightful combination of orecchiette pasta, sweet Italian sausage, and aromatic fennel, all immersed in a flavorful tomato sauce.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. Orecchiette
  • 1 lb. Italian Sweet Sausage casings removed
  • 1 Large Fennel Bulb thinly sliced
  • 1 Shallot thinly sliced
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
  • 28 oz. Whole Peeled Tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
  • Handful Fresh Parsley chopped
  • Grated Pecorino Cheese
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions
 

  • Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until it reaches al dente.
  • Before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water. Drain the orecchiette and set it aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula.
  • Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess fat if necessary.
  • Pour in the dry white wine, using it to deglaze the pan and enhance the flavors.
  • Add the fennel, shallot, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the aroma fills the kitchen.
  • Crush the whole peeled tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste to intensify the richness of the sauce.
  • Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  • Add a tablespoon of the freshly chopped parsley.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
  • Add the al dente orecchiette to the skillet, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Sprinkle Pecorino cheese on top and let the orecchiette finish cooking in the sauce. If necessary, incorporate a small amount of the reserved pasta water into the sauce. This helps create a silky and cohesive texture.
  • Serve with a topping of grated Pecorino cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Video

Keyword comfort food, cooking at home, dinner ideas, easy recipes, family dinner, family friendly recipes, fennel, homemade, Orecchiette, pasta recipe, sausage, sweet sausage
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