Why You’ll Love This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel
Welcome to a culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine. This Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is a dish that captivates both the palate and the soul. As a passionate home cook, I find joy in crafting meals that not only nourish but also tell a story through each bite. Let me share why this particular recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart.
The star of this dish is the Calabrian chili, a fiery pepper from the sun-kissed region of Calabria in southern Italy. Its bold and spicy flavor adds a tantalizing kick to the creamy sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Paired with savory sausage and aromatic fennel, every forkful promises a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
One of the reasons I adore this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests on a special occasion, this dish effortlessly transitions from a comforting family meal to an elegant dinner party centerpiece. The rich, velvety sauce coats the pappardelle noodles, ensuring each strand is infused with the luscious flavors of the sauce and the hearty ingredients.
As you simmer the sausage, fennel, and Calabrian chili in a decadent cream sauce, your kitchen will be enveloped in a tantalizing aroma that promises a culinary experience like no other. The sizzle of the sausage, the earthy fragrance of the fennel, and the spicy notes of the Calabrian chili harmonize to create a sensory delight that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
What truly sets this dish apart is the way it brings together simple, high-quality ingredients to create a gourmet masterpiece. The marriage of Italian flavors in this Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel reflects the essence of rustic Italian cooking, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall dish.
Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors, a lover of Italian cuisine, or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted meal, this Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Join me in savoring each delectable bite and experiencing the magic of this exquisite pasta dish.
Gather These Ingredients
Before diving into the culinary venture of creating this delectable Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel dish, ensure you have all the essential ingredients at hand. Here’s what you need:
- Pappardelle Pasta: The star of our dish, pappardelle pasta, is wide and ribbon-like, perfect for capturing the creamy sauce.
- Italian Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage to infuse the dish with rich, savory flavors.
- Fresh Fennel Bulb: The subtle anise flavor of fennel pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Calabrian Chili Paste: This fiery paste adds a kick of heat and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: To create the luxurious creamy sauce that coats the pappardelle.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Garlic and Shallots: Fragrant aromatics that build the flavor foundation of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: For a vibrant, herbaceous garnish that adds a pop of color.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: To finish off the dish with a generous sprinkle of salty, nutty goodness.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Pantry staples that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
With these ingredients in your kitchen arsenal, you’re all set to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more of this Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel.
Cooking Method
Now that I have all my ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process for this tantalizing Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel.
First, I’ll start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The pasta needs enough space to move freely while cooking, ensuring it doesn’t clump together. Remember, well-seasoned water is the key to flavorful pasta!
While waiting for the water to reach a rolling boil, I’ll heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, I’ll add a drizzle of olive oil and start cooking the sausage. I love how the sizzle of the sausage fills the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma.
As the sausage begins to brown and release its savory flavors, I’ll add in the sliced fennel. The combination of sausage and fennel creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the heat of the Calabrian chilies.
Next, I’ll add a generous dollop of Calabrian chili paste to the skillet. The vibrant red color and intense aroma of the chili paste add a spicy kick that will elevate the dish to a whole new level. I’ll give everything a good stir to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. I’ll pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. The creaminess of the sauce will coat each strand of pappardelle, creating a luxurious texture that is simply irresistible.
Once the sauce is simmering gently, I’ll carefully transfer the cooked pappardelle directly from the pot of boiling water into the skillet. This allows the pasta to finish cooking in the rich, creamy sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors in the process.
As the pasta cooks in the sauce, I’ll toss everything together, ensuring that each strand of pappardelle is coated in the luscious cream sauce. The aroma of the dish at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering, promising a delightful culinary experience.
Finally, I’ll sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of freshness and color. The vibrant green parsley against the creamy sauce and spicy sausage creates a visually stunning dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
With the Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel now ready, I can’t wait to dig in and savor every bite of this flavorful and comforting pasta dish.
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Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy pasta with a spicy kick and savory sausage
Ingredients
- 8 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions
- In a skillet, cook sausage until browned, then add fennel, onion, and garlic
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer
- Stir in cream and chili paste
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce
- Season with salt and pepper
- Serve topped with Parmesan
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chili paste
- Try with different types of sausage for variety
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30