Let me tell you about the first time I discovered Calabrian chili pasta—it was a game changer! I was at this tiny Italian restaurant, and as soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. The spicy kick combined with savory flavors was just perfection! What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to whip up in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Ingredients for Calabrian Chili Pasta
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pasta – I prefer spaghetti or penne, but you can use any pasta shape you love!
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste – This is where the magic happens! Adjust based on your heat preference.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – A good quality olive oil makes a world of difference in flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds that aromatic punch we all crave.
- Salt to taste – Just a pinch to enhance those flavors!
- Fresh parsley, chopped – For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to create a pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor! Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Calabrian Chili Pasta
Making Calabrian chili pasta is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your 200g pasta and cook according to the package directions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes for al dente perfection. While the pasta is cooking, you can multitask and get your sauce ready!
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm (you should see a little shimmer!), toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic is a big no-no! Next, stir in the 2 tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste and mix it all together, letting the flavors meld for another minute.
Now, drain that pasta (save a splash of pasta water if you like) and add it right into the skillet! Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with that delicious sauce. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, season with a pinch of salt, and sprinkle on some fresh parsley right before serving. Enjoy your vibrant dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 200g pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain the pasta, then add it to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this pasta dish is perfect for those busy nights when you need something delicious fast!
- Packed with flavor: The combination of Calabrian chili paste and garlic creates a rich, savory sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
- Vegetarian-friendly: This dish is not only meat-free but also satisfying, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
- Adjustable heat levels: You can easily control how spicy it is by adjusting the amount of chili paste to fit your preference.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners: It’s simple enough for a regular meal yet fancy enough to impress guests!
Tips for Success with Calabrian Chili Pasta
To make your Calabrian chili pasta truly shine, here are some tips I swear by! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the amount of Calabrian chili paste—if you like it spicy, go for more, but if you’re easing into the heat, start with less. As for pasta, I love using spaghetti or fettuccine, but feel free to experiment with whatever shape you have on hand. To elevate your dish, consider serving it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for that extra touch of richness. And remember, fresh herbs always add a burst of flavor, so don’t skip on the parsley!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Calabrian chili pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, this dish is a tasty and satisfying option that won’t leave you feeling guilty!
FAQ about Calabrian Chili Pasta
Got questions about making Calabrian chili pasta? No worries, I’ve got you covered! One of the most common questions I get is, How can I adjust the spice level? The answer is simple: just tweak the amount of Calabrian chili paste! Start with a little and taste as you go—it’s all about finding that perfect balance for your palate.
Another popular query is, What can I serve with this dish? I love pairing it with a light salad or some garlic bread for that classic Italian feel. You could also top it with grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to add some protein!
And what about using fresh chilies? Absolutely! You can chop up fresh Calabrian chilies and sauté them with the garlic for a fresh kick. Just keep an eye on the heat level—you might want to start small and add more if you’re feeling brave!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), storing your Calabrian chili pasta is super easy. Just let the pasta cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add the pasta to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to loosen it up. Stir until it’s heated through, and you’ll find it’s just as delicious as the first time! Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can dry out the pasta.
For more information on the health benefits of chili peppers, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in learning more about pasta types, visit this Spruce Eats guide.
Print
Calabrian Chili Pasta: 5 Simple Steps to Spice It Up!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A spicy and savory pasta dish featuring Calabrian chili.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in Calabrian chili paste and mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili paste for desired heat.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: calabrian chili pasta, spicy pasta, Italian recipe
