This simple and tasty meal is so good, you will make it again and again. It's a great dish to serve family or guests with a side salad and a vegetable.
1 T. olive oil
1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casing removed (or mild sausage)
1 medium onion, diced
2 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. fennel seeds
pinch red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 c. low-sodium chicken stock/broth
28 oz. can tomato puree
2 T. tomato paste
1 lb. fusilli corkscrew pasta (or favorite pasta), uncooked
1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 c. mascarpone (or cream cheese)
freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, for serving
10 - 12 torn fresh basil leaves, for serving
Heat olive oil in a dutch oven (or a very deep skillet) over medium heat. When oil is hot, add sausage; cook until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add onions; cook until softened and translucent and sausage is well browned, 5 - 7 minutes. Add oregano, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic, salt and pepper; stir.
Add stock/broth, tomato puree and tomato paste; stir. Add uncooked pasta to the sauce; bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, 15 - 20 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in mozzarella and mascarpone. Add more seasoning, to taste, if necessary.
Serve with shaved Parmesan and torn basil leaves.
6-8 servings.