Creamy Calabrian Chili Pasta
Super easy
For those who like spicy foods, there are endless ways to get your fix. I regularly reach for harissa, chili crisp, red pepper flakes, and beyond, but Calabrian chili paste is particularly unique. It’s hot, yes, but also sweet-tart and fruity. A spoonful or two is all you need to bolster a humble pantry pasta into something much, much more. This creamy 30-minute dinner is proof.
Prep
10m
Cook
25m
| Category: | Main Dish Beef Pasta |
| Cuisine Type | Italian |
Ingredients
For
4
Serving(s)
Ingredients
| 6 cloves Garlic |
| 3 large sprigs of Basil (or 3 tbsp basil pesto) |
| 1 oz Parmesan cheese (grated) |
| 1/2 Lemon |
| 1/4 cup Olive Oil |
| 1/4 cup Tomato Paste |
| 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste |
| 3/4 tsp Salt |
| 1 lb dried pasta, such as spaghetti, bucatini, or penne |
| 1/3 cup Heavy Cream |
Creamy Calabrian Chili Pasta Directions
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, thinly slice 6 garlic cloves.
- Pick the leaves from 3 large sprigs of fresh basil and set aside.
- Grate 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup firmly packed freshly grated or 1/3 cup store-bought grated).
- Zest 1/2 medium lemon and set aside.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup tomato paste and 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste has darkened slightly and the mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and stir to combine.
- Cook 1 pound dried pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
- Add 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and stir to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the pasta is coated in a creamy sauce, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
- Taste and season with additional salt as needed.
- Divide the pasta among bowls and top with the reserved basil leaves.
More Details
Total Time
30 min
