Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is bold, spicy, and incredibly comforting. The Calabrian chili paste adds a smoky heat, while the savory sausage, tender fennel, and rich, creamy sauce create an indulgent Italian-inspired dish.

The best part? This restaurant-quality pasta comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal!

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Ingredients for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pappardelle pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ lb (225g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste (adjust for spice level)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnishing (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese
• Fennel fronds (for a fresh finish)

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Knife & cutting board

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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2. Cook the Sausage & Fennel

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned.
3. Stir in sliced fennel, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.

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3. Make the Sauce

1. Add garlic, Calabrian chili paste, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute.
2. Pour in chicken broth (or pasta water), scraping the skillet to deglaze.
3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

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4. Toss the Pasta & Finish

1. Add the cooked pappardelle to the sauce, tossing to coat.
2. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

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5. Serve & Enjoy!

1. Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley, fennel fronds, and extra Parmesan.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors!

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Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

Use high-quality pasta – Fresh or bronze-cut pappardelle absorbs sauce better.
Balance the heat – Adjust Calabrian chili paste to your spice preference.
Don’t overcook the sauce – Keep it creamy by simmering gently, not boiling.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping pasta water – Helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky texture.
Using too much chili paste – Start with ½ teaspoon and increase to taste.
Overcooking the fennel – Keep it tender but slightly crisp for texture.

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Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Pair with warm garlic bread or focaccia.
• Top with toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta for extra crunch.

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How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The sauce will thicken in the fridge; add a splash of warm broth when reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing:

• Not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
• Try different pasta – Works well with tagliatelle or fettuccine.
• Use ricotta instead of cream – For a lighter, slightly tangy sauce.

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What to Serve with Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

• A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
• A crisp glass of sparkling water with lemon
• Burrata and cherry tomato salad

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Try hot Italian sausage for extra spice or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate kick, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing the Calabrian chili paste.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is rich, spicy, and bursting with bold Italian flavors, making it the perfect comfort meal for pasta lovers! With tender pasta, creamy sauce, and smoky heat, this dish is easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious pasta recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 580 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

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