Creamy Calabrian pasta brings together the delicious spice of calabrian chili paste with a creamy sauce. This is delicious served as is or topped with cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Pasta is one of those dishes that is just so easy to make for a weeknight dinner or easy lunch.
And this is one of my favorite pastas to make. I just love the creaminess paired with the spice of calabrian chili paste. It's so satisfying any time of year.
And this creamy calabrian pasta is so easy to customize. While I love it as is, many times I will top it with some cooked chicken or stir in some cooked shrimp. So delicious!
Ingredients
- Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or other pasta)
- Butter
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Calabrian Chili Paste
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Basil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make the creamy Calabrian pasta
First, start a pot of water boiling for pasta and then cook pasta according to package directions.
When pasta is almost done cooking, start the sauce.
Melt butter in a skillet.
Add minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute (don't let garlic burn!)
Add heavy cream and stir to combine.
Add calabrian chili paste.
Simmer for 30 seconds.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
Yum.
Plate, then top with fresh parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
What is Calabrian chili paste?
Calabrian chili paste is a condiment that is from the Calabria region (in the "boot") of Italy. It's robust and spicy and adds a nice kick to dishes. A little goes a long way when using, as it is very intense!
However, when paired with a creamy sauce, like in this recipe, it's tempered a bit and so delicious.
You can buy versions from Italy here, and Trader's Joes also sells a version called Trader Joe's Bomba sauce that is something I always keep in my pantry! (At least 2 jars, so I never run out).
Still can't find it? Here are the best substitutes for Calabrian chili paste.
How to customize
This dish is so easy to customize! Want more cream? Add a bit more. Want more spice? Add more calabrian chili paste?
You can of course also switch up the type of pasta you're using! I used linguine here, but you could use spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or even farfalle, penne, ziti, etc. I would just stay away from small pastas like orzo or ditalini.
I also love switching out the herbs from time to time. Sometimes I will add dried thyme. Sometimes tarragon. Sometimes oregano or herbs de Provence.
And of course, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, salmon, or other proteins you would love!
Recipe notes
- This recipe serves two, but is easy to make more or less of!
- A little Calabrian chili paste goes a long way! It's easy to add more, but taste before adding.
More recipes using Calabrian chili paste
Creamy Calabrian Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or other pasta
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon calabrian chili paste
- salt
- pepper
- parmesan cheese optional
- chopped basil optional
Instructions
- In a large pot of water, boil water. Once water is boiling, add pasta and cook according to package directions. Once pasta is almost done, start the sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching carefully so that garlic does not burn.
- Add heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Add calabrian chili paste and stir to combine, heating for 1-2 minutes.
- Drain pasta and add to skillet with cream sauce. Stir to combine, heating for another 1-2 minutes.
- Plate, then serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- This recipe serves two, but is easy to make more or less of!
- A little Calabrian chili paste goes a long way! It's easy to add more, but taste before adding.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
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