Calabrian Chili Pasta is a bold and spicy Italian-inspired dish that brings a fiery kick to your dinner plate. Centered around Calabrian chili paste—a staple in southern Italian cooking—this pasta delivers smoky heat balanced by the brightness of lemon and the richness of olive oil and cheese. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor from the signature Calabrian chili paste
- Ready in 20 minutes, ideal for a quick weeknight meal
- Easy to customize with proteins or vegetables
- Authentic Italian feel with minimal ingredients
- Great for spice lovers looking to elevate their pasta game
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- penne pasta
- kosher salt
- grated pecorino cheese
- cherry tomatoes, quartered
- Calabrian chili paste
- chopped chives
- lemon zest and juice
- extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Cook the pasta: In a deep sauté pan, bring about 1 inch of water to a boil. Add pasta and salt. Cook while stirring often, until the pasta is al dente (around 9 minutes), with a small amount of water left in the pan.
- Mix ingredients: Add pecorino cheese to the hot pasta and toss to coat. Stir in cherry tomatoes, Calabrian chili paste, chopped chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Serve: Toss everything until evenly combined. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or pancetta
- Vegetarian option: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
- Cheese swap: Use Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative
- Pasta variety: Substitute with spaghetti, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or dollop of ricotta
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce
FAQs
What does Calabrian chili paste taste like?
It’s spicy, slightly smoky, and full of robust chili flavor with a hint of tanginess.
Is Calabrian chili pasta very hot?
It has a noticeable kick, but the heat can be adjusted by using less chili paste.
Where can I buy Calabrian chili paste?
You can find it in Italian markets, some grocery stores, or online.
Can I use fresh Calabrian chilies instead of paste?
Yes, though the paste adds oil and fermentation that give depth—consider blending fresh chilies with olive oil.
What cheese can I use besides pecorino?
Parmesan or any hard aged cheese works well; use a vegan hard cheese for a plant-based version.
Is this pasta vegetarian?
Yes, if made with vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, and ensure your pasta is egg-free.
How do I make it creamier?
Add a splash of cream, a spoonful of ricotta, or even cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
What’s a good side dish?
Serve with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it, but it’s best served fresh when the pasta is hot and saucy.
Conclusion
Calabrian Chili Pasta is a spicy, satisfying dish that brings southern Italian flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just looking to shake up your pasta routine, this recipe is a go-to for bold flavor in a short amount of time.
PrintCalabrian Chili Pasta
A spicy and flavorful pasta dish made with Calabrian chili paste, garlic, and olive oil. This simple yet bold recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Calabrian chili paste to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to combine.
- Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet and toss to coat with the chili oil mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
- Top with chopped parsley and lemon zest if desired before serving.
Notes
- Adjust chili paste to your preferred spice level.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg