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Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

A comforting pasta dish with a rich, creamy sauce infused with the spicy kick of Calabrian chili, savory sausage, and aromatic fennel.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 575
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 12 oz pappardelle pasta Wide, flat noodles that hold sauce beautifully.
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled Savory and slightly spicy, providing a hearty base.
  • 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced Adds a subtle sweetness and an aromatic quality.
  • 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste Provides the essential heat and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream Offers a luscious texture to the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Introduces a nutty richness to the dish.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds a fragrant, savory punch.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Begin by cooking the pappardelle according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sautéing the Sausage
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
Adding Fennel and Garlic
  1. Next, add the thinly sliced fennel and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the fennel is softened.
Incorporating the Chili Paste
  1. Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and let it cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Creating the Cream Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture until creamy and well-combined.
Combining with Pasta
  1. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, toss the cooked pappardelle into the creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
Serving
  1. Serve the dish immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese for those who desire it.

Notes

For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Calabrian chili paste; use more for a fiery kick or less for a gentler flavor. Consider adding veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and nutrition. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for a creamy plant-based alternative or use half-and-half.