The aroma of garlic and spicy Calabrian chili wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace that promises comfort. Imagine twirling thick, luscious pappardelle around your fork, each bite a delightful explosion of flavor with sausage and fennel joining the party.
Remember those nights when you craved something comforting but exciting? This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is like a warm hug after a long day. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, festive gatherings, or even just a Tuesday night when you want to treat yourself. Get ready; your taste buds are in for an adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish requires minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor that will impress anyone.
- The creamy sauce beautifully balances the heat from the Calabrian chilis, creating an unforgettable experience.
- With vibrant colors and textures, it becomes the star of any meal.
- Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner; it’s truly versatile!
Ingredients for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pappardelle Pasta: Choose fresh pasta if possible; it cooks faster and has a lovely texture that holds the sauce well.
Italian Sausage: Use spicy or mild based on your heat preference; either will add great flavor and richness.
Fennel Bulb: Thinly sliced fennel adds a crunchy texture and aromatic quality that elevates the dish.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient brings indulgence to the sauce, making it rich and velvety.
Calabrian Chili Paste: For that signature kick! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor and adds a touch of sophistication to your plate.
For the Garnish:
Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds freshness and color to the final dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-5 minutes for fresh pasta. Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your Italian sausage. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove sausage from skillet, leaving behind any rendered fat.
Step 3: Sauté Fennel
In the same skillet, toss in your thinly sliced fennel. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Its sweetness will enhance our creamy sauce later.
Step 4: Create Sauce
Lower heat and pour in heavy cream along with Calabrian chili paste. Stir well to combine all flavors while letting it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage back into the skillet along with drained pappardelle pasta. Toss everything together well while adding reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your creamy Calabrian chili pappardelle onto plates or bowls. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil for an added burst of flavor.
Now sit back, admire your culinary masterpiece (and maybe take a quick selfie), then dive into this delectable dish that’ll make you feel like an Italian chef every time!
You Must Know
- This creamy Calabrian chili pappardelle with sausage and fennel is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing.
- The combination of spices and textures makes it a showstopper at any dinner party.
- Plus, it’s easy to whip up on a weeknight!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage in a large pot, letting those savory aromas fill your kitchen. While that’s happening, cook the pappardelle in boiling salted water until al dente. Finally, mix everything with the creamy sauce and fennel for a delightful finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the sausage for ground turkey or use zucchini noodles for a lighter dish. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or extra veggies for an additional pop of flavor. The world is your oyster—or pasta!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to revive that creamy goodness without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality Calabrian chili paste for authentic flavor; it makes all the difference!
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining—it helps create a silkier sauce.
- Finally, don’t rush the sausage browning; deep flavors develop over time.
Sharing this creamy Calabrian chili pappardelle with my friends was unforgettable; their eyes lit up after the first bite, and I felt like a culinary superhero for a moment!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel?
To make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel, you will need pappardelle pasta, Italian sausage, fennel bulb, heavy cream, Calabrian chili paste, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s distinctive flavor profile. The combination of creamy sauce and spicy chili makes this meal irresistible. Additionally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting the spice level to your preference.
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel?
Preparing Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes. This includes time for boiling the pasta, cooking the sausage and fennel, and combining all ingredients into a creamy sauce. It’s a quick yet flavorful dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
Can I make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel to be vegetarian by substituting the sausage with a meat alternative or simply using mushrooms for a hearty texture. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. The creamy sauce will still deliver that rich taste you’re looking for in this dish.
What should I serve with Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle?
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty baguette also complements the dish perfectly, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal experience, consider serving it alongside a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to enhance the flavors of the pasta and its rich sauce.
Conclusion for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is an exceptional dish that balances spicy and creamy flavors beautifully. By using high-quality ingredients like fresh pappardelle and flavorful sausage, you’ll create a meal that impresses everyone at your table. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also adaptable for various dietary needs. Whether you serve it on special occasions or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this delicious pasta dish will surely become a family favorite.
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a delightful fusion of comfort and excitement. This indulgent dish features thick, luscious pappardelle pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with spicy Calabrian chili paste and savory Italian sausage. Enhanced by the aromatic crunch of fennel, each bite promises a burst of flavor that makes it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your guests with this easy yet sophisticated meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz pappardelle pasta
- 8 oz Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage for 5–7 minutes, then remove it from the skillet.
- Sauté the sliced fennel in the same skillet for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream and Calabrian chili paste to create the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet along with the drained pappardelle. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute sausage with mushrooms or a meat alternative. For added flavor, consider including sun-dried tomatoes or extra vegetables like spinach.
