Description

If you love bold and cozy pasta dishes, this one’s for you. Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, spicy, and packed with texture. The wide ribbons of pappardelle perfectly cling to a velvety chili cream sauce loaded with browned sausage and tender fennel. It’s a restaurant-style dinner you can whip up at home with ease. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a food idea to impress guests, or just a new go-to for comfort cravings, this hearty pasta delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Ideal for weeknight meals or a cozy dinner party!

Ingredients

12 oz pappardelle pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)

1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1.5 tbsp Calabrian chili paste

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh fennel fronds or herbs, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned.

3. Stir in the fennel and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

4. Lower the heat and stir in Calabrian chili paste. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve hot, garnished with fennel fronds or herbs.

Notes

Adjust the Calabrian chili paste amount to suit your heat preference.

Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce silky.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 680
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 115mg