Baby Artichokes And Sausage Rigatoni

1 1/2 lb artichokes,(1 1/2 in. wide)
1 fennel. (3 1/2 in. wide)
1 lb mild (or hot Italian
sausages ),casings
-removed
1 1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 teaspoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 cup red bell pepper, thinly
-sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup fat-skimmed chicken, or
-vegetable broth
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 lb rigatoni pasta, Dried
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
salt

1. Break off and discard artichoke leaves down to the pale green, tender inner leaves. Cut off and discard thorny tips. Trim bottoms.
Quarter artichokes (they will discolor). Trim out and discard fuzzy centers. Rinse and drain artichokes.

2. Trim and discard stems and any bruised portions from fennel. Rinse fennel and thinly slice crosswise.

3. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat, frequently stir sausages, breaking up meat with spoon, until brown, about 10 minutes.

4. Add artichokes, fennel, onion, fennel seed, garlic, and bell pepper to pan. Stir often until onion is limp, about 10 minutes.

5. Pour wine, broth, and cream into pan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until artichokes are tender when pierced, about 10 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, cook pasta in 4 quarts boiling water until tender to bite, 10 to 12 minutes.

7. Drain pasta, put in a serving bowl, and top with artichoke sauce.

8. Offer cheese and salt to add to taste.

What can I say, if it has anything to do with Italian, I'm eating it!

≈ Chef Brian ≈