Sausage Leek Fennel Pasta Food

PASTA WITH SAUSAGE AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Put a large pot of generously salted water on to boil. Cook pasta while preparing sauce.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up, until golden in color; about 5 minutes.
• Add the leeks and cook, stirring often, until soft; about 8 minutes.
• Stir in the shallot and cook for 1 minute.
• Add 1 tblsp of butter, the peas, and broth. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover skillet and keep warm until pasta is ready.
• Cook the pasta until al dente; about 12 minutes. Drain and return to the pot over low heat.
• Add the sausage and leek sauce to pasta and toss well.
• Remove from heat and add remaining 1 tblsp butter and the grated Parmesan. Toss well.
• Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately with more grated Parmesan on the side.

RIGATONI WITH SAUSAGE & FENNEL

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, over medium heat. Add the fennel and onion and saute for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add the sausage and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, crumbling it with a fork, until nicely browned. Add the garlic, crushed fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper and cook for one minute. Pour in the wine, bring to a boil, and add the heavy cream, half-and-half, and tomato paste. Bring back to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 tablespoons salt, and cook the rigatoni according to the directions on the package. Drain and add to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce. Off the heat, stir in the parsley and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Serve hot in shallow bowls with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan on the side.