Penne Salsiccia with Fennel Seed and Pecorino

Name: Penne Salsiccia with Fennel Seed and Pecorino
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300 g penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 500 g Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 tsp fennel seeds; 1 onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 800 g canned tomatoes (crushed); 1 tsp sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; 50 g Pecorino cheese (grated); 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)

45 min 4 servings Medium

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Penne Salsiccia with Fennel Seed and Pecorino

Savoury penne salsiccia with crumbled Italian sausage, fennel seed, and a rich tomato sauce topped with Pecorino cheese.

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Penne Salsiccia is a classic Italian dish that combines the hearty flavour of crumbled Italian sausage with the aromatic touch of fennel seed, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. The addition of Pecorino cheese provides a sharp, salty finish that perfectly complements the dish. This version of Penne Salsiccia is designed for those who crave a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish. The recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

Servings

For the pasta

For the sauce

For serving

Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.

Prepare the sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the crumbled sausage and fennel seeds, cooking until the sausage is browned, about 8 minutes.

Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks.

Cook the vegetables

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Simmer the sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Serve

Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with grated Pecorino cheese and fresh basil.

Pro tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use good quality Italian sausage for the best flavour.</li><li>Cook pasta until al dente for perfect texture.</li><li>Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Penne Salsiccia with a simple green salad and a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of Chianti or a light-bodied red wine pairs beautifully with the robust flavours. This dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.