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Pasta with Roasted Fennel

Pasta with Roasted Fennel
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This Pasta with Roasted Fennel recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness and subtle anise flavor of roasted fennel with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a healthy, comforting meal that is quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The dish features caramelized fennel, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for a cozy and elegant touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large fresh fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced into thin wedges
  • 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or pasta of choice
  • 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fennel: Trim the fennel bulbs by removing the stalks and slice each bulb into thin wedges. Toss the fennel wedges in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the fennel is tender and caramelized around the edges.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the fennel is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the roasted fennel to the skillet, stirring gently to combine flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Fennel: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the fennel and garlic. Toss well, gradually adding reserved pasta water little by little to create a light, silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta evenly.
  5. Finish with Flavor: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, add freshly ground black pepper to taste, and gently toss everything together until well blended and creamy.

Notes

  • Slice fennel evenly and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure it roasts and caramelizes perfectly.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and achieve a silky texture without using cream.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic for the brightest flavor.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste, adding gradually to avoid overpowering the fennel’s delicate flavor.
  • Choose freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, roasted fennel, Italian, easy dinner, healthy pasta, vegetarian, vegan option, gluten-free option, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/pasta-with-roasted-fennel/