Introduction

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is the kind of dish that warms your soul with every bite. The rich, spicy heat of Calabrian chilis adds a bold kick, while the savory sausage and fragrant fennel create a deep, hearty flavor profile that’s irresistible. The wide, luxurious pappardelle noodles serve as the perfect vehicle to soak up the creamy sauce, making each bite a comforting indulgence. The sauce itself is smooth and velvety, with the perfect balance of heat from the chilis and a touch of sweetness from the fennel that perfectly complements the richness of the sausage.

The first time I made this dish, I couldn’t believe how quickly it became a family favorite. The combination of the spicy Calabrian chilis and the sweet fennel created an unexpected yet perfect harmony of flavors. As the sausage sizzled in the pan, releasing its savory aroma, I knew I was in for something special. When the pasta was tossed in the creamy sauce, it was like magic—the noodles perfectly coated, the sauce rich and flavorful. My kitchen filled with the mouthwatering smell of Italian goodness, and I couldn’t wait to sit down to enjoy it.

What I love most about Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is its bold flavors and comforting nature. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. The heat from the Calabrian chilis adds just enough spice without overwhelming the dish, and the fennel provides a delicate sweetness that balances out the richness of the sauce. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a special meal for guests, this dish never fails to impress.

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Dinner parties
Italian food lovers
Comfort food cravings
Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a must-try:

Perfect Balance of Heat and Flavor: The Calabrian chilis bring a bold, spicy kick, perfectly balanced by the creaminess of the sauce, while the sausage and fennel add rich, savory depth.
Comforting and Hearty: With a generous serving of sausage and the freshness of fennel, this dish offers comfort in every bite, making it ideal for cozy dinners.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The creamy sauce, flavored with Calabrian chili paste, garlic, and fennel, coats each pappardelle noodle in delicious, savory goodness.
Easy to Make: This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients to create an extraordinary meal.
Satisfying and Filling: The combination of pappardelle pasta and rich sausage provides a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 75g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel:

12 oz pappardelle pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice), casing removed
1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste (or more, to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Pappardelle Pasta: The wide, flat noodles are perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying and full of flavor.
Italian Sausage: Sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy element that pairs beautifully with the fennel and Calabrian chili.
Calabrian Chili Paste: Known for its distinct heat and smoky flavor, Calabrian chili paste gives this dish its signature spicy kick without being overwhelming.
Fennel: The slightly sweet, anise-like flavor of fennel adds freshness and balances the richness of the cream and sausage.
Heavy Cream: The key to creating a velvety, smooth sauce that complements the spicy chili and sausage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel:

Cook the Pappardelle Pasta:

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Sausage and Fennel:

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Sauté the Fennel and Garlic: Add the sliced fennel and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the fennel softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

Add Calabrian Chili Paste: Stir in the Calabrian chili paste, allowing it to blend with the sausage and fennel mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add Cream and Chicken Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until the sauce is creamy and well-combined, about 2 minutes.

Combine and Serve:

Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pappardelle pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce, adding some reserved pasta cooking water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a flavorful dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Standalone Dish: Serve it on its own as a satisfying, hearty meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad, such as arugula with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the pasta.
With Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce for an extra indulgence.
As Part of an Italian Feast: Serve alongside other Italian favorites like bruschetta, Caprese salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
With a Light White Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the spiciness of the Calabrian chili.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips for making Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel:

Adjust the Heat: Calabrian chili paste can be spicy, so feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
Use Fresh Fennel: Fresh fennel will give the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find fresh fennel, you can substitute with thinly sliced onions, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Add More Cheese: For extra richness, add more Parmesan cheese to the sauce or sprinkle extra on top before serving.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it will affect the creaminess of the sauce.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pappardelle or your favorite gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to try for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel:

Spicy Veggie Version: Swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage or add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Creamy Tomato Sauce: Add a few spoonfuls of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes to the sauce for a creamy tomato version of this dish.
Chicken Sausage: Use chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a lighter, leaner option.
Shrimp or Scallops: Substitute the sausage with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist on this pasta.
Spicy Meatballs: Add homemade or store-bought spicy meatballs instead of sausage for an added texture and flavor.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the sauce for a refreshing, citrusy contrast to the rich cream and chili.
Pesto Twist: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto into the sauce for an herby kick.
Roasted Garlic: Roast garlic and add it to the sauce for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
Vegan Version: Make it vegan by using plant-based sausage, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the pasta for a smoky, salty crunch.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well because of the creamy sauce, which can separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra cream or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to help you make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel:

Large Skillet: A large skillet or sauté pan is perfect for cooking the sausage and fennel and making the sauce.
Pasta Pot: Use a large pot for boiling the pappardelle pasta to ensure it has enough space to cook evenly.
Tongs: Tongs are ideal for tossing the pasta into the sauce and ensuring it’s well coated.
Grater: A microplane grater is great for grating fresh Parmesan cheese for the sauce and garnish.
Garlic Press: A garlic press makes it easier to mince garlic quickly and evenly.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular pasta instead of pappardelle?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti, but pappardelle adds a great texture to the dish.
Can I substitute the Calabrian chili paste with something else?
If you can’t find Calabrian chili paste, you can substitute with crushed red pepper flakes, harissa, or any other chili paste you like, adjusting the amount to your spice preference.
Can I make this dish without fennel?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of fennel, you can replace it with thinly sliced onions or leeks for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy sausage for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that combines bold flavors and rich textures. The creamy, spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the hearty sausage and fennel, while the pappardelle pasta adds a luxurious touch. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. The balance of heat from the Calabrian chili and the smooth creaminess of the sauce creates a perfect harmony, making each bite a true indulgence.

This dish brings together the warmth of Italian flavors with the heartiness of sausage and fennel, making it an ideal choice for those who love bold, comforting pasta. The pappardelle, with its wide ribbons, holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor. Whether you serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad, this creamy pasta is a crowd-pleaser.

I can’t wait to see your take on this creamy, spicy pasta dish! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this comforting recipe to life! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy cooking!