Ziti with Sausage, Onions & Fennel

By á-178694

Ingredients

• 1 fennel bulb
• 6 quarts water
• 2 1/4 t salt
• 1 lb uncooked cooked ziti
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 lb sweet italian sausage
• 2 c onion wedges
• 1/2 t crushed red pepper
• 1/4 c tomato paste
• 1/4 c romano cheese

Preparation

Step 1

trim fennel, removing fronds & bulb. cut fennel bulb in half lengthwise and cut each bulb half lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices.
cut bulb slices into 2 inch long pieces, chop fennel fronds to measure 1/3 cup.

boil 6 quarts water and 2 t salt, stir in pasta and boil 8 minutes until al dente. drain & reserve 2 cups water.

heat oil in large pan and add sausage, cooking until lightly brown, push to the side & add onion, mix together & push to side to add fennel. cook until fennel begins to soften & mix with sausage & onion. add in pepper, 1/4 t salt, add tomato paste, and 2 cups reserved water. bring to a boil.
reduce heat & cook until fennel s tender, add fronds & pasta, cook 2 minutes or until pasta is done, toss to combine. remove from heat, stir in cheese & serve.