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My family gathers around the table every time I make this rustic Italian pasta dish. The aroma of fennel and spicy vegan sausage fills our kitchen as the sauce simmers. This recipe brings warmth to our home in 30 minutes with perfectly cooked pasta, golden crispy sausage and sweet fennel tossed in a rich Calabrian chili sauce. The combination creates pure comfort food magic that works beautifully for cozy winter dinners.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic happens when the pasta soaks up that gorgeous spicy sauce while the fennel adds a gentle sweetness. Trust me, this dish has been my go-to through countless busy weeknights. The vegan sausage gets beautifully crispy and the sauce turns luxuriously silky. My kitchen always fills with happy faces when this hits the table. Best part? You can switch things up based on what's in your pantry.
Your Shopping List
- Pasta: I love how orecchiette cradles the sauce but any pasta shape works beautifully here. Grab whatever you have in your pantry.
- Vegan Italian Sausage: Pick one that crumbles nicely so you get tasty bits in every forkful.
- Fennel: This veggie adds such lovely sweetness that balances out the spice perfectly.
- Calabrian Chili Paste: This gives amazing depth but harissa works too if that's what you have.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese: It melts into the sauce creating pure creamy goodness.
Let's Cook Together
- Start With Perfect Pasta
- Get your water boiling and cook that pasta until tender but still has a bite. Save a cup of that starchy water before draining it comes in handy later.
- Create Golden Sausage
- While pasta cooks get your pan hot and crumble in the sausage. Let it get all golden and crispy then set it aside.
- Build Those Flavors
- Same pan now gets your onion and fennel. Once they turn soft and sweet add in the chili paste tomato paste and garlic. The kitchen smells amazing at this point.
- Make It Saucy
- Pour in that saved pasta water and watch the magic happen. Let it bubble away then stir in the vegan parmesan until everything gets creamy and gorgeous.
- Bring It All Together
- Toss your pasta and crispy sausage into that heavenly sauce. Give it a taste add salt if needed sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
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My Fennel Secrets
Fennel can look intimidating but here's what I do. Give it a good wash since sand likes to hide in there. Cut off the top stalks and keep those pretty fronds for garnish. Then slice out the core and cut the bulb nice and thin. Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen those fronds make great soup toppers.
Saving It For Later
This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for about five days in a good container. When you want to enjoy it again just pop it in a pan with a splash of water or broth to wake up the sauce. A quick minute or two in the microwave works too but the stovetop method really brings back that fresh made taste.
Make It Your Own
- Add Some Greens: Sometimes I throw in handfuls of kale or spinach. Mushrooms work wonderfully too.
- Switch Up The Cheese: Nutritional yeast gives amazing cheesy flavor if you're out of vegan parmesan.
- Spice It Up: My husband loves it extra spicy so I add more chili. My kids prefer it milder so adjust to your taste.
- Going Gluten Free: Works perfectly with your favorite gluten free pasta.
Perfect Pairings
In my house this pasta loves company. A simple kale salad or roasted butternut squash on the side balances everything perfectly. Fresh crusty bread for sauce soaking is a must. Pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine and dinner becomes something special.
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Quick Swaps
Sometimes the store runs out of fennel so I grab leeks or yellow onions instead. No Calabrian chili paste? Harissa works beautifully. Want extra creaminess? A splash of coconut milk or cashew cream mixed with the parmesan creates pure magic.
Common Questions From My Kitchen
Q: Which vegan sausages should I buy? A: In my kitchen Beyond Meat Field Roast and Impossible sausages all work beautifully. Q: Will this set my mouth on fire? A: Not at all. It's got a gentle warmth but you control the heat. Q: Can I freeze this for later? A: The sauce might separate so I prefer keeping it in the fridge.
Kitchen Wisdom
Never skip saving that pasta water it's liquid gold for the sauce. Keep your pasta slightly firm and let those sausage bits get nice and crispy. Always trust your taste buds for seasoning. These little tricks make all the difference.
A Bowl of Comfort
This pasta brings together everything I love about cooking. Rich flavors that warm your soul just enough spice to make it interesting and pure comfort in every bite. Make this on your next cozy evening in and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free vegan sausage for a fully gluten-free version.
- → What can I substitute for Calabrian chili paste?
Use harissa paste, or combine extra tomato paste with red chili flakes for similar heat.
- → What type of vegan sausage works best?
Soft, crumbly vegan sausage like Beyond Meat works best. Dice firmer sausages instead of slicing.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Add chopped kale or spinach when making the sauce for extra nutrition.
- → How can I make this without vegan cheese?
Replace parmesan with 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast added with the garlic.
Conclusion
This quick and easy vegan pasta dish brings together the bold flavors of plant-based sausage, aromatic fennel, and a spicy Calabrian chili sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.