Description
Indulge in a rich and flavorful pasta dish with this Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle featuring savory Italian sausage, aromatic fennel, and a spicy kick of Calabrian chili paste. This indulgent meal is perfect for a cozy night in or a special gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pappardelle Pasta:
- 12 ounces pappardelle pasta
Italian Sausage Mixture:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pappardelle: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pappardelle until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Cook the Fennel Mixture: In the same skillet, add fennel and onion; cook 6–8 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Calabrian chili paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Return sausage to the skillet, then toss in pappardelle and Parmesan cheese, mixing until well coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add an additional spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a side of garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg