Zippy Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe for Spice Lovers

Spicy seafood lovers find pure bliss in calabrian chili pasta with shrimp, a dish that ignites culinary excitement.

Saucy strands of pasta dance with succulent shrimp in a vibrant, fiery embrace.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Bright peppers and zesty seasonings create a symphony of taste that captivates every palate.

Fresh ingredients merge seamlessly, turning a simple meal into a memorable celebration of flavor.

Chefs and home cooks alike will adore this quick and passionate recipe that brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

We challenge you to savor every mouthwatering moment of this incredible culinary journey.

Why Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta With Shrimp Is A Bold Weeknight Win

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Calabrian chili pasta brings a fiery kick that transforms an ordinary meal into an exciting culinary adventure, perfect for those craving bold flavors.
• Master Quick Cooking: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooks rapidly, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Heat: The dish allows personal spice adjustment by controlling the amount of Calabrian chili paste, enabling everyone from mild-flavor lovers to heat seekers to enjoy the meal.
• Seafood Meets Pasta Perfection: Succulent shrimp combined with zesty sauce creates a luxurious protein-packed dinner that feels gourmet but comes together with surprising simplicity.

What Goes Into Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta With Shrimp

• Spaghetti or Linguine: A long, thin pasta that serves as the hearty base of this spicy dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds protein and a delicate flavor to the pasta.
• Calabrian Chili Paste: A spicy condiment that provides a bold, intense heat to the recipe.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that create a fragrant and spicy foundation for the sauce.
• Lemon: A citrus fruit that adds brightness and helps balance the rich, spicy flavors.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that brings a clean, green note and adds visual appeal to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps sauté the ingredients and adds a smooth, rich texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that provides a savory depth and creamy finish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the pasta.

How To Make This Spicy Shrimp Pasta In Minutes

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti or linguine until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, creating an aromatic foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Introduce Spicy Kick

Stir in Calabrian chili paste, moving quickly to prevent burning and develop a deep, fiery flavor profile.

Step 4: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they transform to a beautiful pink color with golden edges.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain pasta, keeping 1/2 cup of pasta water. Transfer noodles directly into the skillet with spicy shrimp mixture.

Step 6: Create Silky Sauce

Toss pasta thoroughly, using reserved water to develop a smooth, clinging sauce that embraces every pasta strand.

Step 7: Add Bright Citrus Notes

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, introducing a zesty brightness that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese, gently stirring to distribute evenly throughout the pasta.

Step 9: Season to Perfection

Add salt and black pepper, giving a final toss to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately while hot. Optional: Garnish with additional parmesan and parsley for extra visual appeal and flavor.

Pro Tips For Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta That Pops

• Adjust Chili Heat Level: Control spiciness by reducing or increasing Calabrian chili paste amount based on personal tolerance.
• Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Keep starchy water for creating silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats pasta strands.
• Choose Shrimp Carefully: Select fresh, medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and optimal texture in the dish.
• Prevent Overcooking Shrimp: Watch carefully during cooking, removing from heat once they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast red pepper flakes briefly in olive oil before adding garlic to release more intense, complex spice notes.

Hot Twists To Try With Calabrian Chili Pasta

• Creamy Calabrian Shrimp Pasta: Replace reserved pasta water with heavy cream, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that softens the chili's heat while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Seafood Edition: Swap shrimp for mixed seafood like calamari, mussels, and scallops, introducing a diverse oceanic blend that complements the spicy Calabrian chili base.
• Vegetarian Spicy Veggie Pasta: Substitute shrimp with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and artichoke hearts, keeping the signature Calabrian chili paste for robust vegetable-forward experience.
• No-Spice Family Friendly Version: Reduce Calabrian chili paste quantity, substitute with mild paprika and add a touch of honey to balance heat while maintaining depth of flavor for sensitive palates.

What To Serve With Spicy Shrimp Pasta

• Spark Crisp White Wine Pairing: Unleash a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that slices through the pasta's spicy richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Cool Herbal Cocktail Companion: Craft a spicy cilantro margarita that mirrors the Calabrian chili's heat while refreshing the palate with tequila's smooth kick.
• Mediterranean-Style Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with fresh lemon, olive oil, and shaved parmesan to complement the pasta's bold, zesty profile.
• Flavor-Enhancing Bread Option: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread brushed with herb-infused olive oil to soak up the spicy, lemony sauce and add textural contrast.

How To Store Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta Like A Pro

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Shrimp can become tough when reheated, so consume quickly for best taste and texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
• Skip freezing this dish, as shrimp and pasta lose their delicate texture and become mushy when thawed. Fresh preparation yields the best culinary experience.
• If needed, keep pasta and shrimp mixture in separate containers to maintain individual textures. This method helps preserve the dish's original quality and prevents sogginess.

FAQs For Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta With Shrimp

• What are Calabrian chilies?

Calabrian chilies are spicy, fruity peppers originating from southern Italy, known for their bright red color and intense heat level ranging between 25,000-40,000 Scoville units. They provide a unique, complex flavor with both spiciness and slight smokiness.

• Can I substitute Calabrian chili paste if I can't find it?

You can substitute with sriracha, red pepper flakes, or harissa paste. However, these alternatives will slightly change the authentic flavor profile of the original recipe. For closest match, use a mix of red pepper flakes and tomato paste.

• How spicy is this pasta dish?

The spice level is moderate, around medium heat. The Calabrian chili paste provides a warm, tingling sensation without overwhelming burn.

Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Calabrian chili pasta with shrimp brings Mediterranean heat to your dinner table, dancing with spicy, succulent flavors. Seafood lovers will savor each perfectly balanced bite of this quick, zesty Italian-inspired dish that promises restaurant-quality excitement at home.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Seafood:

• 1 lb spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Chili and Flavor Base:

• 3 tbsp calabrian chili paste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Finishing and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the spaghetti or linguine until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a fragrant base with minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
3. Add Calabrian chili paste to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and develop a rich, spicy foundation.
4. Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden edge.
5. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, then transfer noodles directly into the skillet with the spicy shrimp mixture.
6. Toss pasta thoroughly, using reserved water to help create a smooth, clingy sauce that coats every strand.
7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, adding brightness and cutting through the rich, spicy flavors.
8. Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
9. Season with salt and black pepper, giving a final toss to ensure perfect flavor balance.
10. Plate immediately, serving hot with additional parmesan and parsley as optional garnish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, deveined shrimp for the best texture and fastest cooking time.
• Adjust Calabrian chili paste quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Gluten-free alternative can be achieved by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce consistency, adding splashes as needed for silky, clingy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg