One-pot pasta recipes are a culinary dream: uncooked pasta and all the other ingredients cook together in the sauce, infusing every strand with flavor. The bonus? Minimal cleanup! This particular one-pot pasta, brimming with Italian sausage, peppery arugula, vibrant tomatoes, and a hint of fennel, is a true masterpiece of convenience and taste. It boasts the rich, complex flavors of a slow-cooked meal, but it’s ready in just twenty minutes.
Creating Culinary Magic: A Simple One-Pot Process
This dish can be prepared in a skillet or a large pot – use whichever you prefer.
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Sauté the Base: Begin by browning Italian sausage (pre-cooked or uncooked, both work), bell pepper, and red onion until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through. If using pre-cooked sausage, this step will be even faster.
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Add Fragrance: Toss in some garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Build the Flavorful Sauce: Add tomato paste for a deep, concentrated tomato flavor, followed by diced tomatoes for a brighter, fresher note. Sprinkle in fennel seeds to complement the herbs in the sausage.
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Combine and Cook: Pour in the broth and add the uncooked pasta. Cover the pot and simmer for about ten minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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The Finishing Touch: Stir in fresh arugula. The residual heat will wilt the arugula slightly, adding a peppery, herbaceous dimension to every bite.
A Symphony of Flavors: From Simple Ingredients to Exquisite Taste
This one-pot pasta is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques. The browning of the sausage and vegetables creates a rich foundation of flavor. The tomato paste adds depth, while the diced tomatoes provide a burst of freshness. The fennel seeds enhance the savory notes of the sausage, and the arugula adds a touch of peppery brightness to balance the richness.
A Weeknight Winner: Effortless and Delicious
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The one-pot method minimizes cleanup, and the quick cooking time gets dinner on the table in a flash. It’s a culinary win-win!
Servings: 4
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb hot or sweet Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seed (optional)
- 8 oz medium pasta (gemelli or penne)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 3 cups baby arugula
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, onion, and red pepper, cooking until tender and sausage is fully cooked, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds. Add diced tomatoes and fennel seed, if using.
- Add pasta and broth, cover, and cook until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, stir in Parmesan cheese and arugula, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.