![To make your Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle, you need these simple ingredients: - 12 oz pappardelle pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste (adjust for spice) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap out some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use fettuccine or tagliatelle instead of pappardelle. - Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - If you can't find Calabrian chili paste, try sriracha or red pepper flakes. - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan option. - Any fresh greens, like kale or arugula, can work in place of spinach. Fresh ingredients make this dish stand out. They enhance flavor and texture. Here’s why you should focus on using them: - Fresh pasta cooks faster and has a better bite. - Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that dried forms can’t match. - Fresh spinach wilts nicely, adding color and nutrients. - Fresh basil gives a sweet aroma and brightens the dish. Using fresh ingredients sets your pappardelle apart. You will taste the difference in every bite. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make the creamy Calabrian chili pappardelle, start with the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz of pappardelle and cook until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until you smell the garlic. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic tastes bitter. Now, add 1 teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste. Stir it in and let it bloom for about 30 seconds. If you like more heat, feel free to add more chili paste. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly to mix it well. Bring this to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken a bit. Next, whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the sauce creamy and rich. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Now, toss in ½ cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves. Stir them in and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to warm up. Finally, add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated in that creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To get the best pappardelle, use plenty of water when boiling. This helps the pasta move freely. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together. Always taste the pasta a minute or two before the package time ends. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. If in doubt, check the package instructions for timing. Making the creamy sauce is simple. Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil. Then, add the Calabrian chili paste to release its flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese slowly until it melts smoothly. If it’s too thick, add some pasta water. Don’t forget to add veggies for flavor and nutrition. Toss everything together with the pasta, and you have a rich, flavorful dish. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. You control the heat in this dish. Start with one teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste. If you like more spice, add more. Mix the paste well into the oil to get the full flavor. Taste the sauce as you go. If it’s too mild, add a bit more paste. Just remember, you can always add but can’t take away. Fresh herbs boost the taste of the sauce. I love using basil for its sweet notes. Chop it finely and stir it in just before serving. You can also try parsley or oregano for a different twist. They add freshness and make the dish pop. Don't skip this step; it makes a big difference! First, don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente for the best texture. Second, watch the garlic. Sauté it just enough to be fragrant, but not brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins your sauce. Lastly, be careful with salt. The cheese adds salt, so taste first before adding more. Following these tips will help you create a perfect dish of Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle. For the full recipe, check the link provided. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Start by swapping the heavy cream for a plant-based option like coconut cream or cashew cream. This change keeps the rich flavor while making it dairy-free. You can also add more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add great texture and taste. Want to add some protein? Chicken and shrimp work great! For chicken, use grilled or sautéed pieces. Cook them separately, then toss them in with the pasta. For shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until pink. Mix them into the creamy sauce at the end. Both options give the dish a hearty twist. If you need a gluten-free choice, go for gluten-free pappardelle. Many stores offer this option made from rice or lentils. Cook it just like regular pasta. The creamy sauce pairs well with gluten-free pasta. It keeps the dish tasty and satisfying for everyone. For the full recipe, check out the link. You can store leftover Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. To reheat your pappardelle, use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water. This helps keep the dish moist. Heat it on low to avoid overcooking. Stir often for even heating. In the microwave, cover the bowl to trap steam. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. You can freeze Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle, but the texture may change. To freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned earlier for the best results. Calabrian chili comes from Italy. They are small, bright red peppers. They pack a punch of heat and a hint of sweetness. You can find Calabrian chili paste in many grocery stores. Check the international or Italian food aisles. You can also buy it online. Look for brands that use quality peppers for the best taste. Yes, you can make Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, heat the sauce. Then toss it with the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it seems dry. This method helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread alongside it. If you want some protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp are excellent options. Experiment with your favorite sides to make the meal even better. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. This blog post covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle. We explored substitutions and the importance of using fresh ingredients. You learned cooking tips and how to customize flavor and spice. I shared common mistakes to avoid, variations for different diets, and storage tips for leftovers. Think about how these steps make cooking easier. Now, you can create a delicious meal that fits your taste. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this recipe!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/14ba0180-b8f0-4d23-bc96-7edaa296565f-250x250.webp)
- Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle
Indulge in the bold flavors of Creamy Calabrian Chili Pappardelle, a rich and satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple to follow and allows you to customize the spice level to your liking. With fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll impress your family and friends with this delectable meal. Ready to take your pasta game to the next level? Click through to explore the full recipe now!