Quick Sausage Bolognese with Mushrooms and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This quick sausage Bolognese is a simple, flavorful twist on the classic pasta dish. Using quality sausages adds rich taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 good-quality sausages, skins removed
• 1 tsp fennel seed
• 250g pack mushrooms, sliced
• 150ml red wine (optional)
• 660g jar tomato pasta sauce (we used Loyd Grossman’s tomato & chilli)
• 300g penne
• Grated or shaved parmesan, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large, wide frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage meat and add the fennel seeds. Fry for a few minutes until the sausage is golden and the fat has released, stirring often to break up the meat.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another few minutes until they start to soften.
3. Step 3: Pour in the red wine if using, allowing it to bubble for about one minute.
4. Step 4: Stir in the tomato pasta sauce and heat through until it starts bubbling.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package instructions. Drain once cooked.
6. Step 6: Add the drained penne to the sauce and stir well until the pasta is completely coated.
7. Step 7: Divide the pasta between four plates and finish with a generous sprinkling of grated or shaved parmesan.

Tips & Variations

• Using the meat from good-quality sausages adds lots of flavour without extra seasoning, but feel free to adjust herbs and spices to your taste.
• Swap penne for another pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture.
• If you prefer a less spicy sauce, choose a mild tomato pasta sauce instead of tomato & chilli.

Storage

Store any leftover Bolognese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any good-quality sausage you like. Pork, beef, or mixed meat sausages all work well, though the flavor will vary slightly depending on the seasoning in the sausage.

Is red wine necessary in this dish?

No, the red wine is optional. It adds depth and a rich flavor, but you can simply skip it and still enjoy a delicious sausage Bolognese.

Quick Sausage Bolognese with Mushrooms and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Quick Sausage Bolognese is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that uses good-quality sausage meat for a rich and hearty sauce. Combined with mushrooms, fennel seeds, and optional red wine, this dish comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with penne pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce

• 6 good-quality sausages, skins removed
• 1 tsp fennel seed
• 250g pack mushrooms, sliced
• 150ml red wine (optional)
• 660g jar tomato pasta sauce (we used Loyd Grossman’s tomato & chilli)

Pasta

• 300g penne

To Serve

• Grated or shaved parmesan, to serve

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage Meat: Heat a large, wide frying pan over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage meat along with the fennel seeds. There’s no need to add oil as the sausages will release their own fat. Fry for a few minutes until the meat is golden and the fat has rendered. Stir frequently to break up the meat into small pieces for an even texture.
2. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and continue frying for a few minutes until the mushrooms start to soften and reduce in size, mixing well with the sausage.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine if using, and let it bubble for about one minute to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol. Then add the tomato pasta sauce. Stir well and heat through until the sauce is bubbling and warmed evenly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
5. Combine and Serve: Transfer the drained pasta directly into the sauce pan. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece of penne with the sausage and tomato sauce. Divide the pasta between four plates and finish by sprinkling with grated or shaved parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Using sausages for the meat base adds deep flavor without needing extra herbs or seasoning.
• If you prefer, omit the red wine for a quicker, kid-friendly version.
• Feel free to substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
• Adding a pinch of chili flakes can enhance the heat if using a milder tomato sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: sausage bolognese, quick pasta sauce, easy dinner, penne pasta, sausage recipes, weeknight meal, tomato pasta sauce