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Home » Dinner

Creamy Calabrian Pasta

Published: Jan 21, 2023 · Last Updated: Jan 21, 2023 by Aimee - This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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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.

Creamy calabrian pasta on a plate topped with cheese and herbs.

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

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).

pepper sauce from above

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!

What to serve with the pasta

I love this pasta on it's own, but it's delicious paired with a side dish like air fryer broccolini, air fryer mediterranean vegetables, or arugula salad with shaved parmesan.

I also love it topped with some air fryer panko chicken, air fryer pesto salmon, or air fryer pesto shrimp.

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.

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.

Melting butter in the pan.

Add minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute (don't let garlic burn!)

Adding minced garlic to the pan.

Add heavy cream and stir to combine.

Stirring the creamy sauce.

Add calabrian chili paste.

Adding calabrian chili paste to the sauce.

Simmer for 30 seconds.

Stirring the creamy calabrian sauce.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.

Adding pasta to a creamy sauce.

Yum.

Creamy calabrian pasta in the skillet.

Plate, then top with fresh parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Creamy calabrian pasta topped with cheese and herbs.

More recipes using Calabrian chili paste

  • Calabrian butter
  • Calabrian shrimp
  • Calabrian potatoes

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Creamy calabrian pasta topped with fresh parmesan and basil.

Creamy Calabrian Pasta

Recipe by Aimee
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.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 16 mins
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 731 kcal

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

Calories: 731kcalCarbohydrates: 88gProtein: 17gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 133mgPotassium: 335mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1230IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.

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