Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp: A Flavorful Weeknight Wonder

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Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp is an easy yet luxurious dish that combines the bold heat of Calabrian chili paste with the sweetness of succulent shrimp, the richness of garlic butter, and the brightness of lemon. This quick and simple recipe packs a punch and delivers a meal that is sure to impress, all in less than 30 minutes.

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Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a busy day or preparing a special meal for loved ones, this pasta dish is the perfect option. The richness of the butter and garlic, the spice from the Calabrian chili paste, and the tender shrimp come together to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal. If you’re a fan of flavorful, comforting pasta dishes with a spicy twist, you will absolutely love this recipe. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, using only a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Calabrian Chili Butter:

• 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1–3 tablespoons Calabrian pepper paste (see notes for spice preferences)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon hot paprika

Everything Else:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 10 ounces linguine or fettuccine (your choice of pasta)
• Shaved Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparing the Calabrian Chili Butter

The first step in creating this mouthwatering dish is preparing the Calabrian chili butter. The Calabrian chili paste is the star of the dish and infuses the butter with deep, smoky heat that’s perfectly balanced by the richness of the butter and the brightness of lemon zest and juice. Here’s how to make it:

• Start by placing the softened butter in a food processor. Add the garlic, tomato paste, Calabrian chili paste, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and hot paprika.
• Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they come together into a smooth, whipped consistency. This step ensures that the flavors are well combined and evenly distributed in the butter.
• Transfer the butter to a bowl and set it aside. If you’re not planning to use it immediately, you can refrigerate it for later. The chili butter can also be made in advance, making it a great time-saver for busy days.

2. Cooking the Shrimp

Once your Calabrian chili butter is prepared, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, making this step an ideal next move in the recipe. The shrimp will absorb the rich and spicy butter, adding flavor and juiciness to the dish.

• Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared chili butter and let it melt completely in the skillet.
• Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp to the skillet. You’ll want to cook the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they have enough room to cook evenly.
• Stir the shrimp occasionally, allowing them to cook until they curl into a ‘C’ shape, which means they’re done. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
• When the shrimp are cooked through and no longer translucent, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Keep the shrimp warm while you prepare the pasta.

3. Cooking the Pasta

While the shrimp is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water to season the pasta. Salted water is key to ensuring the pasta itself is full of flavor.

• Add your choice of pasta to the pot, whether it’s linguine or fettuccine. Both types of pasta work wonderfully in this dish, but you can use whichever you prefer or have on hand. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente.
• Once the pasta is done, be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining it. This starchy water is essential for helping to create a silky sauce that will coat the pasta perfectly.

4. Bringing It All Together

Now it’s time to combine all the elements and create the dish. Start by reheating the skillet that you used to cook the shrimp. Since it already contains some of the flavorful chili butter and bits of shrimp, it will add depth to the sauce.

• Place the skillet over medium-low heat and add the drained pasta.
• To the pasta, add 3 tablespoons of the prepared Calabrian chili butter and a small splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta gently to coat it with the sauce, ensuring every strand is covered in the flavorful chili butter.
• As you toss the pasta, you may need to add more pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. This will help you create a smooth, velvety coating on the pasta.
• Taste the pasta and adjust the flavors if necessary. You may want to add more chili butter or pasta water, depending on your preference for heat and the richness of the sauce.

5. Adding the Shrimp and Serving

Once the pasta is perfectly coated in the chili butter sauce, it’s time to toss in the cooked shrimp. Stir the shrimp through the pasta to combine them with the sauce.

• Serve the pasta and shrimp immediately, topped with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
• Garnish with more chopped parsley or additional lemon zest if desired for a burst of fresh flavor.

The Experience of Cooking and Eating Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp

As you prepare this dish, you’ll be enveloped by the enticing aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in the skillet, while the fresh herbs and lemon zest fill the air. When the shrimp cooks in the Calabrian chili butter, the fragrance of spicy heat and savory richness intensifies, creating an irresistible atmosphere in your kitchen.

The first bite of this pasta is an explosion of flavors: the heat from the Calabrian chili paste hits the tongue immediately, balanced by the smooth, creamy butter and the tangy brightness of lemon. The shrimp, cooked to perfection, is tender and sweet, absorbing the chili butter and adding another layer of flavor to the dish. The pasta, perfectly coated in the chili-infused butter, provides a satisfying, slightly chewy bite that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.

The textures of this dish work together beautifully—the pasta is smooth and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, while the shrimp adds a juicy pop. The shaved Parmesan provides a salty, umami-rich finish, and the fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Success and Customization

1. Adjusting the Spice Level
   • The Calabrian chili paste can be adjusted to fit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use only 1 tablespoon of chili paste and balance it out with extra tomato paste. For a medium heat, use 2 tablespoons. For a more intense kick, use the full 3 tablespoons. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect balance for your taste!
   • If you prefer a sweeter note, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
2. Substituting Ingredients
   • Shrimp: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, you can swap it out for scallops, chicken breast, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Chicken thighs or fish fillets also pair beautifully with this chili butter sauce.
   • Pasta: Linguine and fettuccine are both great choices, but you can also use spaghetti, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you love. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta would also work.
   • Butter Substitute: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. It will still provide flavor and help create a silky sauce but will be less rich than the butter version.
3. Adding Vegetables
   • For added texture and nutrition, consider tossing in sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers. The sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the spicy chili butter sauce beautifully.
   • You can also add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or zucchini to increase the dish’s vegetable content while maintaining the fresh, comforting flavor.
4. Make-Ahead Options
   • The Calabrian chili butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the butter in ice cube trays or an airtight container for future use.
   • While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and pasta ahead of time and simply toss everything together with the chili butter when you’re ready to eat.
5. Serving Suggestions
   • This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad. A salad with arugula, fresh herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta.
   • You can also serve the pasta with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any extra chili butter sauce.
   • For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will complement the spice and richness of the dish. Alternatively, a light red wine, like Pinot Noir, can work well with the shrimp and pasta combination.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp is a fantastic dish for a variety of occasions. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both satisfying and flavorful. The Calabrian chili butter adds an extra layer of depth to this pasta dish, taking it far beyond a simple pasta meal. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a new way to prepare shrimp and pasta, this dish delivers bold and vibrant flavors in every bite.

Its versatility also makes it ideal for customization. You can adjust the spice level, change up the protein, or add vegetables to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great recipe to impress guests or share with family—it looks elegant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.

If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful meals with a spicy kick, this Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp should definitely be added to your recipe collection. It’s sure to become a go-to meal for any occasion.