Description
Creamy Chili Oil Pasta is a luscious and spicy pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic garlic, chili oil, and Parmesan cheese. This flavorful recipe delivers a delightful balance of heat and creaminess, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, etc.)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add chili oil: Stir in the chili oil and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Create creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the creamy chili oil sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili oil and red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the pasta perfectly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively.
