There’s nothing quite like the moment you dive into a bowl of Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage. Imagine the rich, creamy sauce clinging to those perfectly cooked ribbons of pasta, each bite packed with the right amount of heat from Calabrian chili and the savory goodness of sausage. delicious breakfast sausage The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a cozy dinner party. Their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, and I couldn’t help but feel like a culinary rockstar. creamy cheese-filled shells This dish is perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal that feels fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen. perfect creamy side dish. For more inspiration, check out this pumpkin wild rice soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This creamy Calabrian chili pappardelle is quick to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning and sure to impress guests. Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, it adapts easily to suit your cravings. The rich sauce brings warmth, comfort, and that bit of spice we all love! [/info_box]
I once served this at a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “the best pasta ever”—that’s high praise coming from someone who usually sticks to plain mac and cheese.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pappardelle Pasta: Choose fresh or dried; both work well but fresh cooks faster and offers a delightful texture. cheesy dip for gatherings.
Italian Sausage: Use spicy or sweet sausage depending on your heat preference; it adds depth and richness.
Calabrian Chili Paste: Look for this in specialty stores; it’s essential for that unique flavor kick.
Heavy Cream: Opt for heavy cream for a richer sauce; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds aromatic notes that elevate the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; they bring a wonderful aroma and complement the sausage beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this rosemary garlic white bean soup recipe.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Use these herbs as a garnish; they add freshness and color to your plate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, crumble in Italian sausage, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Toss minced garlic into the skillet with sausage, sautéing until fragrant—about 30 seconds—taking care not to burn it.
Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream along with Calabrian chili paste. Stir well while bringing to a gentle simmer—this will create your luscious sauce.
Toss Everything Together: Add drained pappardelle into the skillet alongside grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly while adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Finish with freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring everyone gets plenty of sauce!
Now you have an irresistible plate of creamy Calabrian chili pappardelle ready to wow your taste buds! Enjoy every last bite as you bask in compliments from family and friends.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This creamy Calabrian chili pappardelle with sausage elevates comfort food to a whole new level. The combination of spicy chili and savory sausage creates an irresistible flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage in a large skillet, then cook the pappardelle while the sauce simmers. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the sausage for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. You can also adjust the heat by adding more or fewer Calabrian chilis.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] When cooking pasta, ensure it’s al dente; it will continue cooking in the sauce. Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added brightness. A splash of pasta water can help bind the sauce, making it creamier and more flavorful. [/info_box]
Sharing this dish with my friends brought back memories of our Italian adventure last summer. Their delighted reactions made all the effort worthwhile, reminding me that good food is best enjoyed together.
FAQ
What makes Calabrian chili special?
Calabrian chilis offer a unique sweet heat that enhances any dish beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute sausage with plant-based options and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
How do I know when my pasta is done?
Taste it! Al dente pasta should be firm but not hard when bitten into.
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle with Sausage is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and comforting textures. This pasta dish features wide ribbons of pappardelle enveloped in a luxurious cream sauce, spiced up with Calabrian chili and hearty Italian sausage. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is impressive, ensuring you’ll be the star of your next dinner party.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
- 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook pappardelle until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir in Calabrian chili paste, simmering gently to combine.
- Toss Everything Together: Add drained pasta to the skillet with Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 290g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
