This Creamy Chili Pappardelle delivers a delicious blend of rich, spicy, and comforting flavors that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Inspired by Italian comfort food, this recipe brings together pappardelle pasta with a creamy, chili-spiced tomato sauce and aromatic fennel. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, offering layers of flavor in every bite. Ideal for chilly days or special family gatherings, this meal brings a taste of Italian-inspired warmth right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Flavorful and Spicy: The Calabrian chili paste provides a gentle heat, creating an unforgettable creamy and spicy sauce.
Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences or spice tolerance.
Perfect Comfort Food: Rich, filling, and satisfying, this pasta is perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For this hearty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Olive Oil – Adds depth and helps cook the turkey sausage to golden perfection.
Turkey Sausage – Leaner than pork, yet rich and flavorful.
Butter – Enriches the sauce and helps the fennel caramelize.
Yellow Onion – For a mild, slightly sweet flavor base.
Fennel Bulbs – Adds aromatic depth and a slight anise flavor.
Pappardelle Pasta – The wide ribbons are ideal for absorbing this creamy sauce.
Garlic – Essential for added aromatic richness.
Tomato Paste – Thickens the sauce with concentrated tomato flavor.
Calabrian Chili Paste – Adds a warm, peppery spice (adjust to taste).
Tomato Purée – Forms the saucy base.
Heavy Cream – Creates the creamy, velvety texture.
Fresh Oregano – Adds an earthy freshness.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a savory finish.

How to Make Creamy Chili Pappardelle

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook pappardelle until just al dente, then reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.
Cook the beef Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the turkey sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into pieces. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the diced onion and sliced fennel, cooking until softened and lightly caramelized.
Build the Sauce: Add garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and Calabrian chili paste, cooking for a couple of minutes to develop the flavors. Add tomato purée and reserved sausage, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the oregano.
Combine and Serve: Toss the pasta in the sauce until fully coated. Add Parmesan, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Finish with Garnishes: Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan or fennel fronds if available.

Cooking Tips:

Taste as You Go: Adjust Calabrian chili for spice preference.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash to the sauce helps it coat the pasta well.
Low and Slow: Letting the sauce simmer helps thicken it and deepen the flavor.

Helpful Tips:

Fennel Fronds Garnish: Adds a beautiful, aromatic touch for presentation.
Alternative Proteins: Swap turkey sausage for a plant-based sausage if you prefer.
Cream Alternatives: For a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half or even coconut cream.

Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet: Pork-Free

Notes:

This dish is adaptable and forgiving. If you prefer a less creamy sauce, use half-and-half, and for a vegetarian option, try roasted mushrooms instead of sausage.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving balances protein, fats, and carbs for a comforting, filling meal with added nutrients from fresh fennel and tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta type? Absolutely! Tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even rigatoni work well if pappardelle isn’t available.
Is there a non-dairy option? Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a thick oat-based cream.
Can I make it spicier? Add a bit more Calabrian chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or cream to restore creaminess.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Chili Pappardelle is a cozy, Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, it’s the ideal choice for family dinners or any time you want a meal with warmth and flair. Enjoy!

Creamy Chili Pappardelle

Author: Charlotte

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Description

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook pappardelle until just al dente, then reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Turkey Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the turkey sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into pieces. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the diced onion and sliced fennel, cooking until softened and lightly caramelized.
Build the Sauce: Add garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and Calabrian chili paste, cooking for a couple of minutes to develop the flavors. Add tomato purée and reserved sausage, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the oregano.
Combine and Serve: Toss the pasta in the sauce until fully coated. Add Parmesan, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Finish with Garnishes: Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan or fennel fronds if available.

Notes

This dish is adaptable and forgiving. If you prefer a less creamy sauce, use half-and-half, and for a vegetarian option, try roasted mushrooms instead of beef sausage.