Description
A vibrant and flavorful Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp that combines the spicy kick of Calabrian pepper paste with the rich taste of butter, garlic, and lemon. Perfect for a quick and delicious 30-minute meal that balances heat and zest with succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked linguine.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shrimp
- 10 ounces linguine or fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1-3 tablespoons Calabrian pepper paste (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon hot paprika
For Serving
- Shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and build sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add tomato and Calabrian chili paste: Stir in the tomato paste and Calabrian pepper paste, adjusting the amount of chili paste to your preferred spice level. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook the shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with black pepper and hot paprika. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Finish with herbs and lemon: Stir in chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Serve: Plate the pasta topped with shaved parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust Calabrian pepper paste quantity according to desired spiciness. Start with 1 tablespoon for mild heat.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the dish and complement the spicy and rich flavors.
- Reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and coating the pasta better.
- Ensure shrimp are fresh and properly deveined for the best taste and texture.
- Shaved parmesan adds a salty and nutty finish that balances the heat from the chilies.
