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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
