Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel

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There’s something downright irresistible about the way Calabrian chili adds heat that lingers just long enough to wake up your taste buds, but not so long that it overwhelms. Now pair that warmth with velvety cream, tender pappardelle, and the bold flavors of sausage and fennel, and you’ve got a pasta dish that checks every box. It’s spicy, rich, and surprisingly easy to make.

This is the kind of comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. The licorice-like brightness of fennel slices through the richness of the sauce, while the sausage adds a savory punch that makes each bite feel like a complete indulgence. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a casual dinner party, this pappardelle is guaranteed to become a regular request.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

This dish brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your own kitchen, without the fuss. The Calabrian chili paste provides just the right amount of gentle fire, balanced beautifully by cream and broth. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to achieve something this deeply flavorful. Plus, the wide ribbons of pappardelle grab onto the sauce like a dream.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Italian sausage is your best friend here—either sweet or spicy depending on how much heat you like. Sweet sausage allows the Calabrian chili to shine as the main source of heat, while spicy sausage doubles down on the warmth for those who really love a fiery kick. Just make sure it’s good quality, since the sausage is a central player in the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients for the Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

To make this luxurious pasta, you don’t need many ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor.

• Pappardelle Pasta
• Italian Sausage (casings removed)
• Fennel Bulb (thinly sliced)
• Calabrian Chili Paste
• Garlic (minced)
• Heavy Cream
• Chicken Broth
• Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make the Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Fennel

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and toss in the sliced fennel. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and just starting to caramelize.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add the garlic and Calabrian chili paste to the fennel. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes. Return the sausage to the skillet and mix well.

Step 5: Cook the Pappardelle

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything to coat. Stir in grated parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and finish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle

This dish is perfect as a hearty main course and feeds about 4 people generously. Serve it fresh from the skillet, with extra parmesan at the table and maybe a crisp green salad on the side. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil cut through the richness beautifully.

Roasted Broccolini

Adds a charred bitterness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta.

Burrata with Tomatoes

A luxurious appetizer that matches the indulgent tone of the meal.

Grilled Shrimp

If you want to turn dinner into a surf-and-turf moment.

Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Nero d’Avola pairs beautifully.

Marinated Olives

Easy, make-ahead nibble to kick off the meal.

Lemon Sorbet

Light and bright, the ideal dessert after a rich pasta dish.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If this creamy, spicy pasta hits the spot, you’ll want to check out these flavor-packed favorites:

• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
• Cheesy Baked Ziti
• Creamy Cajun Linguine
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sweet or spicy sausage? Did you toss in extra fennel or a sprinkle of chili flakes?

I love hearing how others bring their own twist to this dish. Questions are always welcome too – let’s keep the cooking conversation going.

Explore even more crave-worthy weeknight dinners and bold pasta flavors on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is bold yet balanced, comforting yet complex. With just a few quality ingredients and easy steps, you can bring a restaurant-style pasta to your home table. It’s a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.

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