In Epi's 3-Ingredient Recipes series, we show you how to make great food with just three ingredients (plus staples like oil, salt, and pepper).
In this simple weeknight pasta, each ingredient pulls its weight. Fennel adds a touch of sweetness, while sausage contributes rich flavor. Be sure to add the sausage just before the last toss to maintain all those delicious crispy bits.
Recipe information
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until cooked through and browned and crispy in spots, 6–8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.
Step 3
Add sliced fennel to skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fennel begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Continue to cook, adding 1/4 cup water to skillet as bottom begins to brown (you may need to do this a few times), until soft and caramelized, 10–15 minutes more.
Step 4
Add pasta and reserved pasta cooking liquid to skillet and cook, tossing to coat, until liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce, about 4 minutes. Add sausage and fennel fronds, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
61 Breezy 5-Ingredient Recipes to Keep Your Grocery List Short
Featuring five ingredients or fewer, these recipes make a big impact with just a handful of groceries.37 Sausage Recipes for Effortless, Flavor-Packed Meals
Your new favorite cheap, fast, and satisfying dinner is just a few links away.27 Fennel Recipes for Crunchy Salads and Savory-Sweet Sides
Whether shaved into crunchy ribbons or caramelized and golden-sweet, fennel enhances every dish it touches.71 Pasta Recipes to Cook If Spaghetti Is Your Love Language
Or bucatini. Or linguine. Or orzo. Or… you get the picture.59 Easy Dinner Ideas Because Everything Else Is Hard
Some nights you just need a really quick, simple weeknight meal. Here are a whole bunch of our favorite easy dinner ideas that will help you get dinner on the table before anyone gets hangry.57 Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes
With five ingredients or less, these recipes are uncomplicated, easy, and most importantly, awesome.67 Game-Changing Weeknight Pasta Recipes
Restaurant-quality pasta in less than 30 minutes is entirely possible, and we've got the recipes to prove it.105 Back to School Dinner Recipes
Simple, quick, and kid-friendly meals to help you ease into the new school year.101 Italian Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight
Craving Italian? We've got you covered with our favorite pastas, pizzas, soups, roasts, and more.
