Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal with bold flavors, Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage is a fantastic choice. The richness of the creamy sauce, the kick from the spicy Calabrian chili peppers, and the savory depth of Italian sausage come together beautifully in this dish. Paired with wide, flat pappardelle noodles that hold onto the sauce perfectly, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing a cozy dinner at home, this creamy pasta dish is sure to impress. It’s not only flavorful but also surprisingly easy to prepare, with ingredients that deliver both richness and spice in every bite.

What Is Calabrian Chili?

Calabrian chili peppers are small, fiery peppers grown in the Calabria region of southern Italy. Known for their unique, slightly smoky, and fruity flavor, Calabrian chilis pack a punch while maintaining a complexity that’s unlike other chili peppers. When incorporated into a sauce, they add both heat and a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

These peppers are often used in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta sauces, meats, and spreads. In this recipe, we use DeLallo Calabrian chili peppers to bring an authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen. They provide just the right amount of spice to balance the creamy tomato sauce and complement the richness of the sausage.

Why Pappardelle?

Pappardelle is a wide, flat pasta that originated in Tuscany, Italy. Its broad surface makes it the perfect match for rich, hearty sauces. When paired with the creamy, spicy tomato sauce in this dish, the pappardelle noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.

While you can use other types of pasta, such as fettuccine or tagliatelle, pappardelle is a great choice for this recipe because it allows the sauce to cling to each strand of pasta. It’s the ideal vehicle for delivering all of the creamy, spicy goodness of the sauce.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage:

Pappardelle pasta: The long, wide pasta strands are key for holding the sauce.
Italian sausage: Adds savory, meaty flavor to the dish. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
Fennel: Adds a subtle sweetness and slight licorice flavor that complements the richness of the sausage and cream.
DeLallo Calabrian chili peppers: These spicy peppers bring heat and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Tomato paste and purée: Forms the base of the sauce and enhances the tomato flavor.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety texture for the sauce.
White wine: Adds acidity and helps to balance the richness of the cream.
Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that adds saltiness and a nutty flavor to the dish.

This combination of ingredients creates a balanced dish that hits all the right notes: spicy, creamy, savory, and slightly sweet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage

1. Preparing the Sausage

The first step in this recipe is cooking the Italian sausage. This is an important step because you want to ensure the sausage is properly browned and caramelized, which brings out its natural flavors.

Heat the Pan: Use a 3-quart stainless steel sauté pan to brown the sausage. This type of pan provides enough space for the sausage to cook evenly.
Cook the Sausage: Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and let it heat up. Once hot, add the sausage and break it up using a wooden spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. The goal is to get a nice caramelization on the sausage to develop deep, savory flavors.

Once the sausage is browned, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. You’ll add it back to the sauce later for a second round of cooking.

2. Cooking the Vegetables

Next, we’ll cook the vegetables that form the flavor base of the sauce. Onions and fennel bring a sweet and aromatic depth that perfectly balances the richness of the sausage and cream.

Cook the Fennel and Onions: In the same pan, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Add the diced onion and fennel, cooking for about 8 minutes until they are tender and caramelized. Stir often and season with a pinch of salt. The sweetness of the fennel will shine through and complement the other flavors in the dish.

3. Adding Garlic and Tomato Paste

Once the fennel and onions are soft and caramelized, it’s time to bring in the garlic and tomato paste.

Add Garlic: Add 6 finely chopped garlic cloves to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in Tomato Paste and Calabrian Chilis: Now, add ¼ cup of tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of DeLallo Calabrian chili peppers. Stir the mixture and cook for about 1 minute to allow the tomato paste to deepen in flavor and the chili peppers to release their heat.

At this point, the sauce should already be rich in flavor, with the spicy kick of the Calabrian chilis coming through.

4. Deglaze with White Wine

Now that the garlic, tomato paste, and chilis are incorporated, it’s time to deglaze the pan and add acidity to balance out the richness.

Add White Wine: Pour in ½ cup of white wine, stirring to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

The wine will help create a beautifully aromatic base for the sauce while enhancing the overall flavor.

5. Building the Sauce

Now, it’s time to bring everything together into a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Add Tomato Purée and Cream: Stir in 1 jar (24 oz) of tomato purée and 1 cup of heavy cream. The cream will provide the silky, rich texture that this dish is known for.
Add Oregano and Sausage: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano, then add the browned sausage back into the pan. The sausage will infuse the sauce with additional flavor as it simmers.

6. Simmer and Adjust the Sauce

To bring everything together and achieve the perfect sauce consistency, you’ll need to simmer the mixture.

Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to come to a bubble, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Add Pasta Water: While the sauce is simmering, be sure to save 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the pappardelle. This water is key in creating the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually to the sauce, stirring well to combine.

7. Cooking the Pappardelle

Now that the sauce is simmering, it’s time to cook the pappardelle.

Boil the Pappardelle: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Pappardelle noodles tend to cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to add to the sauce later. This helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and creates a silky finish.

8. Combining Pasta and Sauce

Once the pappardelle is cooked and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to combine everything.

Toss the Pasta in Sauce: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat the noodles with the creamy, spicy sauce.
Finish with Parmesan: Gradually stir in ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding richness and umami.

If the sauce is too loose, raise the heat slightly and continue stirring until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage

This dish is rich, flavorful, and filling on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great suggestions for what to serve alongside Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage:

1. Hearty Salads

A fresh salad is the perfect way to balance out the richness of this pasta. Opt for light, crisp salads that bring a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Here are a few ideas:

Roasted Garlic and Kale Caesar Salad: The earthy flavor of roasted garlic and the bitterness of kale make this Caesar salad the ideal match. The crispness of the lettuce adds texture, while the creamy dressing mirrors the richness of the pasta.
Arugula and Tomato Salad: For a lighter option, a simple salad with peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette will cut through the creaminess of the pasta.
Mixed Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette: A tangy lemon vinaigrette will brighten up the dish and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.

2. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side that complements almost any Italian pasta dish. The crispy, buttery bread with hints of garlic and herbs is perfect for dipping into the extra sauce on your plate.

Traditional Garlic Bread: Use a baguette or Italian loaf, spread with vegan or regular butter mixed with garlic and herbs, and bake until golden and crispy.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese on top of the garlic bread before baking for a gooey, cheesy treat.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Pair the pasta with some roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and adds a bit of smokiness that complements the creamy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic, and a bit of lemon zest before roasting them in the oven. The bitterness of the broccoli will contrast nicely with the rich sauce.
Roasted Cauliflower: Cauliflower’s nutty flavor makes it a great side dish, especially when roasted with spices like cumin and paprika.

4. Light Soup

If you prefer to serve a soup as a starter, a light vegetable-based soup would pair nicely with the pasta. Something like a minestrone or a simple tomato basil soup would complement the pasta without overwhelming your taste buds.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, don’t worry – this creamy pappardelle dish reheats wonderfully and can be enjoyed the next day. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your pasta:

1. Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: While pasta with cream-based sauces can be tricky to freeze, you can freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve. To freeze, place the sauce in an airtight container and store it for up to 1 month.

2. Reheating Leftovers

On the Stovetop: To reheat, place the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little extra pasta water or vegetable broth to help loosen the sauce as it reheats.
In the Microwave: Microwave the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure it heats evenly. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage is the perfect combination of rich flavors, bold spices, and comforting textures. The sweetness of the caramelized fennel and onions, the heat from the Calabrian chili peppers, and the creaminess of the tomato sauce make this dish incredibly satisfying. The addition of sausage and pappardelle noodles ties everything together, creating a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress.

This recipe is incredibly versatile – whether you prefer a meat-free version or want to use a different type of pasta, the core ingredients and techniques will still deliver a mouthwatering result. The next time you’re craving something indulgent yet full of character, give this Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage a try!

FAQs On Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage

1. What is Calabrian chili, and why is it used in this recipe?

Calabrian chili peppers are small, spicy peppers grown in the Calabria region of southern Italy. They are known for their smoky and fruity flavor, which adds depth and a unique heat to the sauce. In this recipe, the Calabrian chili peppers provide a spicy kick that balances out the richness of the creamy tomato sauce, making the dish flavorful and complex.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while pappardelle is the traditional choice for this dish, you can use other types of pasta such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well, and pappardelle is an ideal option due to its broad, flat shape that complements rich sauces.

3. How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of Calabrian chili peppers used or omit them entirely. You can also substitute them with a milder chili variety, such as red pepper flakes, to maintain the heat but lower the intensity. Adjust the chili paste according to your spice preference to achieve the perfect balance of flavor.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the sauce, including the sausage and vegetables, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pappardelle, reheat the sauce, and toss everything together for a quick and easy meal.

5. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish both dairy-free and vegetarian. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based cream, such as coconut cream or almond milk, and substitute vegan Parmesan cheese for the regular Parmesan. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace it with plant-based protein options, like tempeh or lentils, for a hearty and flavorful alternative.