There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich pasta dish that warms not just your stomach, but your soul. Enter my Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel recipe—an extraordinary twist on traditional Italian fare. As the savory aroma of Italian sausage fills your kitchen and the silky chili cream sauce envelops wide ribbons of tender pappardelle, you’ll find yourself whisked away to a charming trattoria in Southern Italy.
Perfect for those moments when fast food just won’t cut it, this dish allows you to indulge your cravings while exploring a customizable spice level that suits your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or in need of a simple weeknight meal, this creamy delight serves up a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress, because making a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home has never been easier!
Why love this Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle?
Simplicity at Its Best: This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel recipe is straightforward and requires just a few ingredients and simple techniques.
Rich, Balanced Flavors: The combination of spicy Calabrian chili, savory sausage, and sweet fennel creates a deliciously harmonious dish.
Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the heat to your liking, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
Comfort Food Done Right: It’s a hearty meal that satisfies cravings and warms your soul, just like your favorite Italian trattoria.
Perfect for Busy Nights: With minimal prep and cook time, it’s an ideal dish for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
Feel free to check out other Italian-inspired recipes that will delight your taste buds!
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle Ingredients
• Get ready to create a flavorful Italian masterpiece with these essential ingredients!
For the Pasta
- Pappardelle – A wide noodle that holds onto the rich sauce beautifully; substitute with tagliatelle or fettuccine if needed.
For the Sauce
- Italian Sausage – Adds a savory depth to the dish; ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option.
- Fennel – Imparts a lovely sweetness and aromatic quality; if you’re out, thinly sliced celery serves as a great substitute.
- Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing and enriching the flavor; you can switch it up with butter for a different taste.
- Onion – A key flavor enhancer; yellow or white onions work best, and shallots can be a lighter alternative.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth; use garlic powder in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
- Calabrian Chili Paste – Delivers that signature spice and heat; adjust according to preference, or swap for crushed red pepper flakes combined with olive oil.
- Dry White Wine – Contributes acidity and complexity; feel free to omit if you prefer, using extra broth instead.
- Heavy Cream – Provides the luscious creaminess that makes this dish indulgent; opt for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter feel, though it might alter the sauce’s thickness.
- Grated Parmesan – This cheese brings a delightful umami kick; Pecorino Romano can be used for a distinct sheep’s cheese flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – A bright and fresh finish to the dish; basil or arugula can be excellent stand-ins.
With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re ready to whip up an unforgettable Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel recipe that will impress everyone at your table!
How to Make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle
-
Boil Pasta: Cook the pappardelle in a large pot of salted water until just al dente, usually about 8 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining!
-
Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, sauté the Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked.
-
Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced fennel and diced onion to the skillet, cooking until softened and caramelized, around 5 minutes. Enjoy the aromatic smell as it fills your kitchen!
-
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and Calabrian chili paste; cook for an additional minute until fragrant, letting those flavors mingle perfectly.
-
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release flavorful bits. Allow it to simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Create Sauce: Lower the heat and steadily stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer until thickened to your desired consistency, which should take about 3 minutes.
-
Combine: Toss the drained pappardelle with the sauce and shredded Parmesan cheese, adjusting thickness with the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky finish.
-
Season: Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve with freshly chopped parsley on top for a delightful finish!
Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for an additional kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle
-
Adjust Spice Level: Begin with a small amount of Calabrian chili paste. You can always add more to fit your taste preferences, ensuring a perfect balance in this Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel recipe.
-
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip saving some pasta water! This starchy liquid helps to adjust the sauce’s consistency and makes it wonderfully cling to the pasta.
-
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pappardelle until just al dente to maintain a firm texture. It will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the sauce.
-
Scrape the Pan: When deglazing with the white wine, make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all those flavorful bits into your sauce.
-
Taste and Season: Always taste your dish before serving. It’s your last chance to adjust salt, pepper, or heat before the meal is served, ensuring every bite is delicious!
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch to this dish and make it truly yours!
-
Pasta Shapes: Swap pappardelle for rigatoni or orecchiette to change the texture of your dish and add a fun twist.
-
Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in fresh spinach or peas to bring a pop of green and added nutrition to your plate.
-
Heat Levels: For a milder version, reduce the Calabrian chili paste or substitute with a touch of smoked paprika for a different kind of warmth.
-
Cream Alternatives: Opt for coconut cream for a dairy-free option, adding a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spice.
-
Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter protein source that still packs flavor.
-
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an earthy crunch that complements the richness of the sauce.
-
Herb Alternatives: Instead of parsley, finish with basil or arugula for a peppery bite that enhances the Italian vibe.
-
Cheese Variations: Instead of Parmesan, try using Fontina for a creamier texture and a delightful nutty, buttery flavor.
These variations allow you to explore new flavors and ingredients, making each batch of this pasta dish uniquely your own!
What to Serve with Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel?
Creating a memorable meal is all about pairing flavors and textures that elevate each dish.
- Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a tangy lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta, balancing flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside and infused with garlic butter, it’s perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Roasted Broccolini: Lightly charred with lemon and olive oil, this adds a nutritious crunch that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Homemade Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert that offers a delightful, coffee-infused sweetness, ending the meal on a high note.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dining experience, providing vibrant acidity that pairs excellently with the dish’s richness.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quickly cooked with olive oil and garlic, this enhances the meal’s nutritional profile while adding a vibrant green contrast on the plate.
- Pine Nut & Arugula Salad: The peppery arugula and crunchy pine nuts bring a fresh element to the table, making each bite of pasta even more delightful.
- Affogato: Vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso creates a comforting, luxurious dessert that nicely rounds off a fulfilling Italian meal.
- Spiced Roasted Tomatoes: These bring a burst of flavor and an element of sweetness, creating a beautiful contrast with the pasta’s creaminess.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze offers a delightful appetizer that preps your palate for the main event.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it away to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle freezes well for up to a month. Portion into freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess and prevent separation.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sausage and sautéed vegetables (fennel, onion, and garlic) up to 3 days in advance by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To save even more time, cook the pappardelle and store it separately, ensuring it stays fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy this sumptuous dish, simply reheat the prepared ingredients in a skillet, stir in the heavy cream, and then toss with the pasta. This way, you’ll have a quick and flavorful meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made! Remember to add a splash of reserved pasta water while reheating to maintain a creamy sauce consistency.
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose ripe fennel?
Absolutely! Choose fennel bulbs that are firm, have a bright white color, and fresh green fronds. Avoid any with dark spots or a spongy texture, which indicate overripeness. Fresh fennel enhances the dish’s sweet, aromatic flavor, balancing the spicy Calabrian chili beautifully!
How should I store leftovers of the Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle?
Store any leftover Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing it, as this helps maintain freshness. If needed, I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Certainly! This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle freezes well for up to one month. To do this, portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a little reserved pasta water or milk to keep it creamy.
What if my sauce turns out too thick during cooking?
If your sauce ends up thicker than you’d like, don’t fret! Just add a bit of the reserved pasta water — start with a tablespoon and stir until you reach your desired consistency. This liquid not only thins the sauce but helps it adhere to the pasta perfectly, ensuring each bite is just right.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If cooking for others, make sure to check for allergies, especially to ingredients like dairy and gluten. You can easily make this dish dairy-free by swapping out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream. For those avoiding gluten, consider using gluten-free pasta to enjoy the same delicious flavors without worry.
Can I adjust the spice level in the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely customize the heat to suit your palate! Start by adding a smaller amount of Calabrian chili paste and gradually increase it based on your preference. Alternatively, you can use crushed red pepper flakes for a milder option. Don’t be afraid to experiment — the more the merrier!
Delicious Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the pappardelle in a large pot of salted water until just al dente, usually about 8 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, sauté the Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked.
- Add the sliced fennel and diced onion to the skillet, cooking until softened and caramelized, around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Calabrian chili paste; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release flavorful bits. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and steadily stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer until thickened to your desired consistency, about 3 minutes.
- Toss the drained pappardelle with the sauce and shredded Parmesan cheese, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve with freshly chopped parsley on top.