This recipe combines the fiery kick of Calabrian chili paste with a rich and creamy sauce, balanced by the delicate aniseed flavor of fennel and the savory depth of Italian sausage. This comforting and elegant dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, ready in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add sliced fennel and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the fennel softens.
- Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pappardelle in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 670 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
This dish is a symphony of bold, contrasting flavors and lush textures, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a delightful family meal!
The Allure of Calabrian Chili Pasta with Italian Sausage and Fennel
In the world of culinary creations, some dishes stand out for their remarkable ability to blend bold flavors with creamy, comforting textures. This recipe for Calabrian Chili Pasta with Italian Sausage and Fennel is one such masterpiece. A celebration of Italian-inspired ingredients, it marries the fiery intensity of Calabrian chili paste with the rich decadence of a creamy sauce. The delicate aniseed undertone of fennel and the savory depth of Italian sausage elevate this dish into something truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish promises to deliver in under an hour. Let’s explore the unique elements of this recipe, what makes it so special, and how it can fit seamlessly into any culinary repertoire.
The Signature Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor
1. Calabrian Chili Paste: A Fiery Star
The soul of this dish lies in the Calabrian chili paste. Harvested from the sun-drenched fields of Calabria in southern Italy, these chilies pack a punch of spice with a subtle fruitiness. This paste is the cornerstone of the sauce, offering not only heat but also a complex depth that balances beautifully with the cream.
2. Italian Sausage: Rich and Savory
Italian sausage, with its seasoning of fennel seeds, garlic, and spices, provides the dish’s meaty backbone. Its robust flavor complements the boldness of the chili paste while adding a hearty element to the dish. The sausage also contributes to the overall creaminess of the sauce as its fat melds with the heavy cream.
3. Fennel: The Aromatic Game-Changer
Fennel is an ingredient that often divides opinions, but in this recipe, its mild anise flavor is a revelation. When sautéed, fennel transforms into a sweet, soft vegetable that harmonizes beautifully with the other flavors, adding complexity and balance.
4. Pappardelle Pasta: The Perfect Vehicle
Pappardelle is the ideal pasta for this dish. Its wide ribbons capture the thick, luscious sauce, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated. This type of pasta is also hearty enough to stand up to the bold flavors and rich textures of the dish.
The Creamy Element: A Lush Sauce
The sauce is where this dish truly shines. Heavy cream forms the base, providing a smooth, velvety texture that carries the flavors of the chili paste, fennel, and sausage. Parmesan cheese is whisked in to add a nutty richness and create a cohesive blend. The result is a sauce that clings to the pasta without overwhelming it, offering a luxurious mouthfeel with every bite.
A Balance of Contrasts
One of the most compelling aspects of this recipe is its ability to balance contrasts:
- Heat vs. Creaminess: The fiery spice of the Calabrian chili paste is tempered by the cream, resulting in a sauce that is bold but not overpowering.
- Savory vs. Sweet: The saltiness of the sausage and Parmesan cheese is offset by the natural sweetness of the fennel.
- Richness vs. Freshness: The heavy, indulgent sauce is brightened by the garnish of fresh basil, which adds a pop of herbal freshness to the dish.
These contrasts ensure that each bite is exciting and well-rounded, keeping the dish from feeling one-dimensional.
Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion
Weeknight Ease
Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this dish comes together in less than an hour, making it a realistic option for busy weeknights. The recipe uses easily accessible ingredients, and the steps are straightforward enough for cooks of all skill levels.
Dinner Party Ready
The presentation of this dish is as impressive as its taste. Pappardelle pasta, with its broad ribbons, has an inherently elegant appearance, and the vibrant red sauce punctuated by flecks of green basil is visually stunning. Guests will appreciate the complexity of flavors and the comforting nature of the dish.
Tips for Personalizing the Recipe
While the recipe as written is a triumph, it also lends itself to personalization:
- Add Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can add an additional layer of flavor and color.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Calabrian chili paste or replace it with a milder chili alternative.
- Swap the Protein: For a lighter version, substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken.
- Experiment with Pasta: While pappardelle is ideal, other pasta types like tagliatelle or fettuccine can also work.
Nutritional Insights
With a calorie count of approximately 670 per serving, this dish is undeniably indulgent. However, it also provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying and energy-rich meal. You can lighten it by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reducing the amount of Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Calabrian Chili Pasta with Italian Sausage and Fennel is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Its bold, harmonious flavors and comforting textures make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table of guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something fiery, creamy, and utterly satisfying, reach for this recipe. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage & Fennel
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This recipe combines the fiery kick of Calabrian chili paste with a rich and creamy sauce, balanced by the delicate aniseed flavor of fennel and the savory depth of Italian sausage. This comforting and elegant dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add sliced fennel and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the fennel softens.
- Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pappardelle in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve topped with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
