1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Gather all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Dice the onion and fennel bulbs, chop the garlic, and measure out the tomato paste, Calabrian chili paste, white wine, tomato purée, heavy cream, oregano, and Parmesan. This Calabrian chili pappardelle recipe benefits from having everything ready, as it cooks quickly.

2-Second Step: Cook the Sausage Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add 1 pound of raw mild Italian pork sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside; this step builds the base flavor for your spicy pappardelle.

3-Third Step: Caramelize the Vegetables In the same pan, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, the diced onion, and diced fennel bulbs. Cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and caramelized. This adds sweetness and depth to the Calabrian chili pappardelle sauce.

4-Fourth Step: Boil the Pasta While the vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining; it’s key for adjusting the sauce in this Calabrian chili pasta.

5-Fifth Step: Build the Sauce To the caramelized vegetables, add 6 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1/4 cup tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes on medium heat to release the flavors. Then, deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom for about 2 minutes.

6-Sixth Step: Simmer the Sauce Stir in the 24-ounce jar of tomato purée, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, and the reserved browned sausage. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth consistency, then simmer gently for 5 minutes on low heat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; this step ensures the Calabrian pappardelle sauce is creamy and balanced.

7-Final Step: Combine and Serve Toss the cooked pappardelle with the sauce and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the pan, adding more pasta water if needed for the right consistency. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan. For dietary tweaks, like using vegan substitutes, adjust the sausage in the initial step. Total time is 30 to 35 minutes, and it pairs great with a green salad and fresh bread. If you enjoy pasta dishes, check out our baked pasta alla sorrentina recipe for another Italian favorite.