Description
This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a rich and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring spicy Calabrian chili paste, savory Italian sausage, and sweet caramelized fennel, all tossed in a luscious cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for those who enjoy a harmonious blend of heat, creaminess, and aromatic herbs in a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Fennel and Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the fennel slices and cook until they begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Calabrian chili paste and heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Combine Sausage and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss to combine with the fennel and sauce. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the noodles with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- To make this dish less spicy, reduce the amount of Calabrian chili paste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a bright contrast, but basil can be used alternatively.
