Go Back

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

A luscious pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, fennel, and Calabrian chili paste in a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cream Base
  • 12 oz pappardelle pasta Thick and wide, perfect for holding sauce.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream For a luxurious and creamy sauce consistency.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Introduces a salty, nutty flavor.
Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled Savory and flavorful, the dish’s centerpiece.
  • 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced Delivers a mild licorice flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste Adds a spicy yet fruity kick.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Complements the sausage and adds aromatic depth.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps in sautéing and brings richness.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving a bit of the cooking water.
Cooking the Sausage
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
Sautéing Fennel and Garlic
  1. Add thinly sliced fennel and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until the fennel softens and the garlic is fragrant.
Incorporating Chili Paste
  1. Stir in Calabrian chili paste and cook for an additional minute to meld flavors.
Adding Cream and Cheese
  1. Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese, stirring well to combine and allowing the cheese to melt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining with Pasta
  1. Gently toss the drained pappardelle into the skillet, mixing it well with the sauce. Add reserved pasta cooking water if the sauce is too thick.
Serving
  1. Plate the creamy pappardelle and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. Adjust chili paste to taste for more heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor profile.