The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Hey, friends! If you’re looking for a dish that screams “holiday vibes” but is still easy to make, I’ve got just the thing for you Farfalle & Fennel! This pasta recipe is all about balancing fresh, savory flavors with a hint of spice and sweetness. The fennel and Calabrian chili paste bring an unexpected kick, while the maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that ties it all together. It’s perfect for a festive meal, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Method
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will be crucial for making the sauce creamy and helping everything come together at the end.
Sauté the Veggies
While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallot and minced garlic to the pan. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their aromas. Next, add the thinly sliced fennel to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring every now and then, for another 5 minutes or until the fennel becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
Add the Flavor
Once the fennel and shallots have softened, stir in the tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste. The chili paste adds a wonderful heat, so be careful if you prefer your dish milder. After the paste is well-mixed, add the chopped tomatoes, along with salt and pepper to taste. Use a wooden spoon to gently press the tomatoes, allowing their juices to escape and creating a nice base for the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let everything simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes will break down and become jammy, and all those flavors will come together beautifully.
Finishing Touches
After the tomatoes have cooked down and the sauce has thickened, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup. The butter will add a rich, velvety texture to the sauce, while the maple syrup introduces a hint of sweetness to balance out the spicy heat from the Calabrian chili paste. Stir everything together until the butter is fully melted and the syrup has been evenly incorporated.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the pasta and sauce together. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and fennel sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to help loosen the sauce and make it cling to the pasta. Stir everything thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well mixed, it’s time to serve! Plate the pasta and top it with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle a few fennel fronds over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of this festive pasta dish.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and chopping board
Farfalle And Fennel
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
20
minutesTotal time
30
minutesIngredients
1/2 lb pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
1/2 tsp maple syrup
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining this will help bring everything together later.
- Sauté the Veggies While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot, minced garlic, and fennel. Stir and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Flavor Stir in the Calabrian chili paste. Then, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, press down on the tomatoes to release their juices. Let everything cook on low heat, covered, for about 10-12 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and become jammy.
- Finishing Touches Stir in the butter and maple syrup. Once everything is well combined, add the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fennel fronds for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Be careful with the Calabrian chili paste! If you’re not used to spicy foods, start with a little less and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Watch the pasta water When adding the pasta water to the sauce, add it gradually. You don’t want the sauce to become too watery, so keep an eye on the consistency and stop once it’s just right.
- Maple syrup balance It’s easy to go overboard with the sweetness, so make sure you only use a small amount (1/2 tsp) to keep the flavors balanced.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, pair it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for dipping. You could even serve it with a glass of white wine to elevate the flavors. For extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be a great addition!
Fun Fact
Did you know that fennel is a vegetable that’s closely related to celery and parsley? It has a mild, slightly licorice-like flavor and adds such a unique touch to this dish. Plus, it’s packed with fiber and antioxidants so you’re eating healthy while enjoying this holiday treat!
Conclusion
Farfalle & Fennel is the kind of dish that’s perfect for cozy holiday meals full of flavor and comfort, with a little twist to keep things exciting. It’s a quick and easy way to impress your guests or enjoy a fun weeknight dinner. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own holiday tradition too. Happy cooking!
