Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for fall or winter. The dish features tender egg pappardelle tossed in a creamy sauce made with caramelized fennel, spicy Calabrian chili paste, and Italian sausage. This comforting recipe is easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Olive oil (as needed)
1 lb raw mild Italian pork sausage
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 small fennel bulbs, diced
1 lb DeLallo Egg Pappardelle
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
¼ cup tomato paste
2 tbsp DeLallo Calabrian Chili Peppers
½ cup white wine
1 (24 oz) jar tomato purée
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Directions

Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a 3-quart sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Add the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the pan. Once melted, add the diced onion and fennel.
- Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Season with salt.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Add garlic to the onions and fennel, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Calabrian chili paste, cooking for 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato purée, heavy cream, oregano, and the cooked sausage. Mix well.
Combine and Adjust Consistency:
- Add 1 cup of reserved pasta water to the sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce in the large pot, adding Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce clings to the pasta.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if needed or simmering longer if the sauce is too loose.
Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 6 servings)
Calories: ~650 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown:
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~60g
Fat: ~32g
Sodium: ~890mg
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~10g

This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle is a decadent and spicy dish that’s sure to please. Pair it with a hearty salad and fresh bread to soak up the extra sauce for an unforgettable meal!

Why Choose Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle?

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel stands out for several reasons:

Bold and Balanced Flavors:
- The Calabrian chili paste introduces a smoky, spicy kick that is balanced by the creamy richness of the sauce.
- Sweet, caramelized fennel adds an unexpected layer of flavor, complementing the savory sausage and bright tomato base.
Textural Perfection:
- Pappardelle, with its broad, ribbon-like shape, holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- The addition of Parmesan cheese creates a velvety texture that elevates the dish.
Comfort Meets Elegance:
- This dish is hearty enough for a cozy family dinner yet refined enough to impress guests at a dinner party.
Customizable for Heat Lovers:
- The spice level can be easily adjusted by adding more or less Calabrian chili paste, making it suitable for various palates.

These elements make this pasta a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a satisfying and indulgent dinner option.

The Role of Key Ingredients

The success of this dish lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing a unique dimension to the overall flavor profile:

Pappardelle Pasta:
- Egg pappardelle is the perfect choice for this recipe due to its wide, flat shape that holds onto the creamy sauce effortlessly.
- Its tender texture complements the hearty sausage and fennel, ensuring a cohesive dish.
Calabrian Chili Paste:
- Hailing from southern Italy, Calabrian chilies are known for their smoky, fruity heat. The paste adds depth and complexity to the sauce, making it a star ingredient.
Fennel:
- With its mild, sweet, and anise-like flavor, fennel balances the richness of the sausage and cream while adding a delightful contrast to the heat of the chilies.
Italian Sausage:
- Mild pork sausage provides a savory, seasoned base that enhances the overall heartiness of the dish.
- For a spicier version, you can substitute with hot Italian sausage.
Tomato Purée and Paste:
- These ingredients create a robust and flavorful sauce base, with tomato paste adding a concentrated depth and tomato purée providing balance and volume.
Heavy Cream:
- The addition of heavy cream creates a luscious, smooth sauce that mellows the spiciness of the Calabrian chilies.

Customizing Your Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs:

Adjust the Heat:
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of Calabrian chili paste or substitute it with a sweeter pepper paste.
- For spice enthusiasts, add an extra tablespoon of chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Switch Up the Protein:
- Use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly alternative.
Add More Vegetables:
- Include spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrients and texture.
Make It Gluten-Free:
- Substitute gluten-free pappardelle or a similar wide noodle to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
Lighter Version:
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew milk, for a lighter sauce.

These variations ensure that this dish can cater to a variety of dietary preferences and flavor preferences.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

While this dish is a satisfying main course on its own, pairing it with complementary sides and beverages can enhance the dining experience:

Side Dishes:
- A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Garlic bread or a rustic loaf of sourdough is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus, make for a nutritious and flavorful side.
Beverages:
- Pair this dish with a bold red wine like Chianti, Barbera, or Sangiovese to complement the robust flavors of the sauce.
- For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a fruity iced tea works well.
Desserts:
- End the meal with a light dessert like panna cotta, lemon sorbet, or tiramisu for a sweet finish.

These pairings create a complete dining experience that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

To ensure your Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Cook the Pasta Al Dente:
- Pappardelle should be cooked just until tender but still firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as effectively.
Reserve Pasta Water:
- Don’t skip the step of reserving pasta water. Its starchiness helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a cohesive dish.
Caramelize the Fennel:
- Take the time to properly caramelize the fennel and onion. This step enhances their natural sweetness, adding depth to the sauce.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. The balance of salt, spice, and creaminess is key to this dish’s success.
Serve Immediately:
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce can thicken if left to sit for too long.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Savoring

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Combining the hearty richness of sausage, the caramelized sweetness of fennel, and the subtle heat of Calabrian chili paste, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or indulging in a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Its balance of bold flavors and creamy comfort makes it a standout addition to your dinner repertoire.

Serve it with your favorite sides, savor every bite, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that celebrates the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing good food.

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