Date Night Rigatoni

Ingredients

• 1 lb. rigatoni + 2 cups reserved pasta water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chopped fennel or celery
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 lb. ground mild Italian sausage
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed or chopped*
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes