Chilli & Fennel Sausage Pasta – A Quick, Flavour-Packed Weeknight Meal
Finding time to cook during busy evenings can be a challenge, but this spicy sausage pasta is ready in just 20 minutes without compromising on flavour. Made with chilli and fennel sausages ( we get ours from https://www.hgwalter.com ) rich chopped tomatoes, and nutritious spinach, it’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare.
The combination of chilli and fennel sausage meatballs with the sweetness of piquillo peppers creates an effortless balance of spice and depth. The garlic-infused mojo de ajo oil brings everything together, making the sauce rich and fragrant.
Serve with a green salad or crusty bread and a generous grating of pecorino cheese for the perfect finishing touch. This easy pasta dish is a weeknight staple, full of plant-based goodness and packed with flavour.
Chilli & Fennel Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 tbsp mojo de ajo garlic oil
1 tbsp garlic gubbons (from the mojo de ajo jar)
6 chilli & fennel sausages, skin removed and rolled into balls (1 sausage = 3 meatballs)
600g chopped tomatoes
300g fusilli pasta
4 nests of frozen spinach
4 piquillo peppers, cut into strips
Pecorino cheese, grated (as much as you like)
Method
Put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta.
Heat mojo de ajo oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the sausage meatballs and cook until golden brown all over.
Turn the heat down and stir in chopped tomatoes, frozen spinach, and garlic gubbons. Let it simmer for 10 minutes while the pasta cooks.
Drop 300g pasta into the boiling water and cook according to the pack instructions.
Drain the pasta and tip it into the frying pan with the sauce, mixing well to coat.
Serve immediately with a green salad or crusty bread and finish with a good grating of pecorino cheese.
Make sure your meatballs are piping hot and cooked all the way through before serving.
Faq’s
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, fusilli works well as it holds the sauce, but penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are great alternatives.
What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Chilli and fennel sausages give the best flavour, but any good-quality Italian-style sausage works well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding freshly cooked pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the sausages for a plant-based alternative or use mushrooms and lentils for a meat-free version.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad, crusty bread, or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well. Let it cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat before adding fresh pasta.
