Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel Recipe

Introduction

Pasta is one of the world’s most beloved dishes, and it’s easy to understand why. From its comforting texture to the wide variety of sauces and toppings, pasta offers endless possibilities for creating delicious and satisfying meals. One such standout dish is the Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel—a bold, flavorful combination of perfectly cooked pasta, spicy Calabrian chili, savory sausage, and aromatic fennel, all enveloped in a creamy sauce.

This dish balances heat, richness, and savory goodness in every bite. The heat from the Calabrian chili adds a delightful kick, which is beautifully mellowed by the creamy sauce, while the fennel provides a subtle sweetness and an extra layer of complexity. The addition of sausage brings a savory depth that rounds out the flavors, making this pasta dish a true showstopper.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a dinner party, or a special occasion, the Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is an unforgettable meal that will please your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for a new way to enjoy pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this vibrant and indulgent pasta dish!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

• Balanced Heat and Creaminess: The Calabrian chili adds a layer of heat, while the creaminess of the sauce balances it out perfectly. This creates a harmonious blend of spicy and smooth flavors.
• Savory Sausage & Aromatic Fennel: The sausage offers a savory, meaty richness, while the fennel brings a mild sweetness and fresh herbaceous note that complements the entire dish.
• Lush, Silky Sauce: The sauce coats the pappardelle beautifully, creating a rich, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• Easy to Make: While this dish feels indulgent, it’s simple to prepare and can be made in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: From the spicy chili to the sweet fennel and savory sausage, every element of this dish works together to create a perfectly balanced and unforgettable flavor profile.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-700 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 650-700 kcal
• Fat: 35-40g
• Carbohydrates: 65-70g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel:

• 12 oz (340g) pappardelle pasta (or any wide ribbon pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (preferably spicy, with casings removed)
• 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (or 2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chilies in oil)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley or fennel fronds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pappardelle Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce. The reserved pasta water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.

2. Prepare the Sausage and Fennel

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage to the pan, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage until it is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. The sausage should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced fennel and a pinch of salt. Cook the fennel for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes slightly caramelized. The fennel will develop a sweet, mellow flavor as it cooks.

Add the minced garlic to the fennel and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the fennel and garlic are softened, it’s time to add the Calabrian chili paste (or crushed chilies). Stir the chili paste into the fennel and garlic mixture, cooking for about 1 minute to allow the chili flavors to infuse the oil. The chili paste will bring a bold, spicy kick to the dish, so be sure to adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pappardelle pasta to the skillet with the creamy Calabrian chili sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce, making sure each strand is covered. If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit more pasta water until it reaches a silky consistency.

Once the pasta is well coated, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir it in. The sausage will warm up in the sauce, infusing the dish with its savory, meaty flavor.

5. Serve the Pasta

Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the pasta immediately. Divide it among plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of richness. Garnish with fresh parsley or fennel fronds for a pop of color and freshness.

This dish is rich, creamy, and indulgent, with just the right amount of heat from the Calabrian chili and a satisfying depth of flavor from the sausage and fennel.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

• Adjust the Spice: Calabrian chili paste can vary in heat, so be sure to adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder version, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more as you taste the sauce.
• Use Fresh Sausage: Fresh Italian sausage, preferably spicy, works best for this recipe. The sausage adds a lot of flavor to the sauce, so choose a high-quality sausage with plenty of seasoning.
• Don’t Overcook the Fennel: Fennel adds a nice sweetness and an aromatic note to the dish. Cook it just until it’s tender and slightly caramelized, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining the pappardelle. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to adjust its consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Use a High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so opt for the best quality you can find. Grate it yourself for a fresher taste.
• Make it Lighter: To lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You can also skip the sausage or use a leaner variety.

Variations of Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and use a plant-based sausage or increase the amount of fennel for a heartier dish. You can also add some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Spicy Shrimp Pappardelle: Instead of sausage, you can use shrimp for a seafood twist. Simply sauté the shrimp in olive oil until pink and cook them in the creamy sauce, just like you would with the sausage.
• Mushroom and Fennel Pappardelle: For a rich and earthy variation, use sautéed mushrooms in place of the sausage. Mushrooms pair wonderfully with fennel and bring a deep umami flavor to the dish.
• Bacon or Pancetta: Add crispy bacon or pancetta to the dish for a smoky, salty flavor that complements the richness of the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

• Mixed Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve the pasta with warm, crusty garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish that pairs well with the hearty flavors of the pasta.
• Red Wine: A bold red wine, such as Chianti or Barolo, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the sausage and creamy sauce.

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Conclusion

The Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a bold and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. With the spicy heat of Calabrian chili, the savory richness of sausage, and the sweet notes of fennel, this dish is a true celebration of Italian flavors. The creamy sauce ties it all together, creating a rich and indulgent experience that is sure to please.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish offers an irresistible combination of flavors that will leave your guests asking for more. The best part? It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy evening yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. So, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a comforting, delicious bowl of Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel today!