Calabrian Chili Pepper Pasta Recipe

I’m absolutely obsessed with this pasta recipe because its simple ingredients come together to create a bold and spicy flavor that feels both comforting and gourmet. Plus, it’s the perfect dish to whip up when I want something delicious in a flash, and the garnish options let me add a personal touch that impresses every time!

The Calabrian Chili Pepper Pasta is a dish I enjoy the fiery flavors of. My pasta is made with 12 oz of spaghetti, 4 cloves of garlic sliced very thin, and 2-3 tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste (the amount I use definitely makes the dish more fiery!).

The pasta is then finished with 1/4 cup of Pecorino Romano, which is a goat cheese, and some fresh basil straight from the garden.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti or other pasta: Rich in carbohydrates; provides energy and texture.
• Olive oil: Contains healthy fats; adds smoothness and flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; known for antioxidant properties.
• Calabrian chili paste: Infuses heat; rich in vitamins and capsaicin.
• Pecorino Romano or Parmesan: Offers umami flavor; provides calcium and protein.
• Basil leaves: Imparts freshness; contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz spaghetti or other pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2-3 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan of water until boiling. Add salt and then the spaghetti. Cook the pasta at a vigorous rate until done but still firm. When the pasta time is up, reserve some of the cooking water, then drain. Set the pasta aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.

3. To the skillet, add the garlic that has been sliced paper thin and sauté until it is aromatic and just starting to turn golden, around 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Combine the Calabrian chili paste, cooking it for an additional minute to blend the ingredients and flavors.

5. Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet, and stir it to form a sauce.

6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce to taste.

7. In the skillet, put the cooked spaghetti, and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

8. Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. Toss the pasta to combine and melt the cheese.

9. Pasta should be sent forth to the vessels that will serve them, and they should be topped with basil leaves that are as fresh as possible.

10. You can finish with a bright, citrusy touch by sprinkling on some lemon zest and serving the dish right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Large skillet
3. Colander
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Garlic slicer or mandoline
9. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
10. Tongs
11. Microplane or zester
12. Serving plates or bowls

FAQ

• What is Calabrian chili paste?A spicy, flavorful condiment can be made from Calabrian chili peppers, a product of Italy’s Calabria region. Calabrian chili paste, as it is called, can add heat without sacrificing flavor and can be used to spice up a wide array of culinary delights.
• Can I use a different type of pasta?Certainly! Although this recipe specifies spaghetti, you can substitute any shape of pasta you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine.
• Is there a substitute for Calabrian chili paste?Calabrian chili paste may be difficult to find, but crushed red pepper flakes or another chili paste will work in a pinch. But they’ll offer a slightly different flavor.
• How do I prevent the garlic from burning?In a medium skillet, over medium heat, place the garlic. Watch it closely as it cooks. Stir it frequently and take it off the heat as soon as it turns fragrant and golden.
• Can I make this dish less spicy?Certainly, feel free to alter the quantity of Calabrian chili paste to suit your taste. Begin with a modest amount and ramp up the intensity as you see fit.
• What does the reserved pasta water do?Silky, beautiful sauce. That’s what you’re after, right? A sauce that clings to the pasta but isn’t so thick or thin that you ever wonder about its consistency. When it comes to pasta sauces, the best and the simplest are all about using the right ingredients in the right proportions and handling them with care. That’s how you achieve a textural masterpiece that also packs a flavor punch.
• Can this recipe be made vegan?Absolutely, just leave out the cheese or substitute in a vegan variety, and be certain the pasta is free of eggs.

Substitutions and Variations

2-3 tbsp Calabrian chili paste: If you can’t find this wonderful ingredient, you can substitute with 2 tbsp red pepper flakes mixed with a small amount of olive oil or 3 tbsp harissa paste for a different spicy kick.
12 oz spaghetti or other pasta: Use linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta if you need to.
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese: For a similar flavor profile, swap with Asiago or Grana Padano cheese.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves. If you want to switch it up, and you have fresh parsley or mint on hand, use that instead.
For garnish, optional: Substitute lemon zest with lime zest or a splash of lemon juice for a tangy finish.

Pro Tips

1. Timing the Pasta and Sauce Start preparing the sauce while the pasta is cooking to ensure everything finishes at the same time. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors from the sauce better when you combine them, as the pasta will be hot and ready to meld with the sauce.

2. Enhanced Garlic Flavors Consider infusing the olive oil with garlic by adding the garlic slices to the cool oil and then gently heating them together. This method releases more flavor into the oil without burning the garlic.

3. Customizing Spice Levels Start by adding 2 tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste, then taste the sauce. If you prefer more heat, add the remaining tablespoon gradually until it reaches your desired spice level.

4. Creamier Texture For a creamier sauce, add an extra tablespoon of pasta water along with a tablespoon of cold butter once you remove the skillet from heat. The butter will melt slowly, creating a rich, glossy finish.

5. Fresh Basil and Lemon Zest Add the basil and lemon zest just before serving to preserve their fresh aroma and bright flavors. Tear the basil leaves by hand rather than chopping them to prevent bruising and enhance their vibrant presentation.