Pasta with Clams, White Wine and Spicy Italian Sausage

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36 littleneck clams

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

1/2 yellow onion, diced 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

1 medium red chile, such as red jalapeno or red Fresno, finely sliced 

2 teaspoons fennel seeds 

1/2 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed 

1 cup dry white wine 

1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes 

3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked 

1 pound linguine

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

3 tablespoons butter, cold, cubed 

Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 

Pecorino Romano, grated, for serving, optional