Game Day Pizza
◷ 25 min
Main CourseReader rated
Orecchiette Pasta with Fennel, Sausage, and Sweet Peppers
This flavorful pasta dish combines savory sausage with the subtle sweetness of fennel and peppers for a perfect weeknight meal. It's easy to make and full of comforting, vibrant flavors that everyone will love.
◷55 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥HardDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Roast Peppers and Fennel
Start by heating your oven to 475°F. Toss the bell peppers and fennel with some oil and thyme, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and roast until they’re nice and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2
Cook Sausage and Shallots
While the veggies are roasting, warm up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and shallot, cooking until the sausage is browned and crumbly, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
3
Cook orecchiette pasta
Bring a big pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook it uncovered, stirring now and then, until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite, usually 12 to 14 minutes. Before draining, save about a cup of the pasta water.
4
Combine and Simmer Sauce
Add the cooked pasta, tomato paste, garlic, and those roasted veggies to the skillet with the sausage. Cook everything together over medium heat for a couple of minutes until it smells amazing. Pour in the reserved pasta water and let it simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5
Stir in Fresh Basil
Take it off the heat, stir in some fresh basil, and it’s ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines bold and bright flavors with a comforting, hearty feel. The slight sweetness of the peppers balances the savory sausage and the unique, mild licorice notes from the fennel. The orecchiette pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying and full of texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to add freshness. A crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. A glass of crisp white wine or light red pairs nicely with the rich flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it feels dry. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to one month.
