Description
This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a bold and comforting pasta dish packed with spicy Calabrian chili paste, savory Italian sausage, and sweet fennel, all tossed in a luscious cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. This easy pappardelle recipe features rich, spicy, and creamy flavors that come together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz pappardelle pasta
8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
2. Add the sliced fennel and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Reduce heat and stir in the minced garlic and Calabrian chili paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add a bit of pasta water to loosen if needed.
7. Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.
Notes
This recipe is best served immediately for the creamiest texture.
For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms instead.
To increase heat, add more Calabrian chili paste or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 105mg