Description
This Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, spicy sauce made with Calabrian chili paste and garlic, tossed with linguine and finished with fresh lemon and parmesan. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Shrimp
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1-3 tablespoons Calabrian pepper paste (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Garnish
- 10 ounces linguine or fettuccine
- Shaved parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the softened butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomato and Calabrian Chili Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and Calabrian pepper paste, mixing well to combine. Adjust the amount of chili paste depending on your preferred spice level. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well incorporated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with black pepper and hot paprika. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta beautifully.
- Finish with Freshness: Stir in chopped parsley, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice for brightness and fresh flavor. Toss well to combine.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp immediately, garnishing generously with shaved parmesan cheese. Enjoy this spicy, garlicky pasta while warm.
Notes
- Calabrian pepper paste can be spicy; adjust the quantity according to your heat tolerance.
- If Calabrian chili paste is unavailable, a mixture of chili flakes and a bit of tomato paste can be used as a substitute.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if cooked too long.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to add brightness and balance the heat.
