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Every time I cook up this homestyle Italian pasta, everyone races to the table. As the sauce bubbles, spicy vegan sausage and sweet fennel fill the air with mouthwatering smells. You get a cozy meal in half an hour with soft noodles, crispy sausage, and the hint of fennel in a tangy Calabrian chili blend. All these flavors mix up a total comfort meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Why You'll Love This Dish
The magic happens as noodles grab hold of the spicy sauce and fennel leaves behind its mellow, sweet flavor. Let me tell you, I go back to this meal whenever weeknights get hectic. The plant-based sausage crisps up so well and the sauce turns smooth and rich. Folks always light up when this meal shows up. Best thing? You can swap things around and use whatever’s on hand.
Grab These Ingredients
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Melts right in, making every bite rich and a little creamy.
- Orecchiette or Any Pasta: I grab whatever’s in my cupboard, but orecchiette is extra great for scooping up sauce.
- Fennel: Brings natural sweetness to keep the heat in check.
- Vegan Italian Sausage: Make sure you pick something that falls apart for the best crispy bits.
- Calabrian Chili Paste: Adds a punch of flavor, or sub in harissa if that’s what you’ve got.
Time to Make It
- Pull It All Together
- Move noodles and the crispy sausage into your pan of sauce. Taste, toss in more salt if you want, garnish with parsley and even more parmesan.
- Get Things Saucy
- Add your pasta water and watch things get creamy and magical. Let it simmer, then toss in vegan parmesan for a super silky finish.
- Cook Your Pasta
- Boil water, cook your noodles until they're just right. Don’t forget to keep a cup of the water before draining them out.
- Make the Sausage Crisp
- Start sausage in a hot pan while the pasta cooks. Get those pieces nice and golden, then take them out for later.
- Layer Those Flavors
- Back in the same pan, sauté fennel and onion. When tender and sweet, stir in tomato paste, garlic, and chili paste. It’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.
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My Fennel Tricks
If fennel looks a little scary, don’t worry. Give it a good rinse since grit loves hiding in there. Cut off those stalks—save the fluffy tops to toss on later. Trim out the core and slice up the bulb thin. I don’t waste the greens, either. They’re awesome sprinkled on soup.
Stashing Leftovers
This pasta holds up great in the fridge for almost five days if you seal it well. When you’re ready for round two, just warm it gently in a pan with a bit of broth or water to bring it back. The microwave works too, but the stove keeps things tasting almost like the first bite.
Make It Yours
- More Spice: Crank up the chili for heat-lovers or mellow out for kids.
- Switch the Cheese: Out of vegan parm? Sprinkle on nutritional yeast for that cheesy kick.
- Gluten-Free Fix: Swap in gluten-free noodles and you’re all set.
- Bulk It Up: Toss in mushrooms, kale, or spinach when you want some greens.
Best Things To Eat With It
This dish wants some friends. A bright kale salad or roasted squash makes it feel balanced. Don’t forget a slice of crunchy bread to soak up any sauce you leave behind. Add a glass of white wine, and suddenly it’s a dinner worth slowing down for.
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Swap It Up
No fennel at the shop? Try leeks or just a basic yellow onion. Out of Calabrian chili? Grab harissa instead for that kick. Want the sauce even creamier? Mix in a little coconut milk or cashew cream with the parmesan for a decadent finish.
Ask Me Anything
Q: Which plant-based sausages do I use? A: Anything like Field Roast, Beyond Meat, or Impossible crumbles works great. Q: Is this super spicy? A: Not really! It’s more like a warm hug, not a fire alarm (but you can always add more heat). Q: Can I freeze it? A: I usually don’t—the sauce sometimes splits, so I store leftovers in the fridge instead.
Tips From My Kitchen
Always keep that pasta water—it works wonders in the sauce. Don’t overcook the noodles and let the sausage get a little crunchy. Trust your taste and tweak the seasoning. These small touches really make a difference.
Pure Comfort In A Bowl
Everything I love about cooking comes through in this bowl. The sauce warms you up, just the right kick of spice, and every forkful feels like a cozy hug. Try it next time you want something extra comforting—and watch how fast it disappears.
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Summary
Create a satisfying vegan meal in half an hour. This simple pasta brings together hearty sausage, spicy Calabrian chili flavors, and fresh fennel.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free pasta and vegan sausage labeled gluten-free for a safe option.
- → What can replace Calabrian chili paste?
Try harissa or a mix of tomato paste and chili flakes for similar spice.
- → Which vegan sausage works best?
Go for soft, crumbly options like Beyond Meat. Firmer ones are better diced small.
- → Can I toss in veggies?
Add some greens like spinach or chopped kale when cooking the sauce.
- → What if I don’t eat vegan cheese?
Swap out parmesan with a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.