If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that seriously wows with both flavor and minimal effort, the Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe deserves a spot at the top of your list. Succulent shrimp, golden slivers of garlic, and a fiery punch from Calabrian chili paste make this pasta bright, briny, and just the right amount of spicy. Each bite wakes up your taste buds and delivers an irresistible medley of textures, perfectly finished with lemon, herbs, and a glossy, silky sauce clinging to each strand of pasta. Whether you’re craving comfort food or aiming to impress, you can’t go wrong with this knockout Italian-inspired dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish serves a flavorful purpose, harmonizing to create that signature spicy, garlicky, and fresh vibe. Most are pantry staples, but when combined, their simple goodness is elevated to something truly special!
- Pasta (12 ounces spaghetti or linguine): Choose a shape that hugs the sauce—spaghetti or linguine works best to catch those bold flavors.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Go for large, fresh shrimp for the juiciest, most tender result; they’re the star of the show.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Rich, fruity olive oil is the base for our sauce and adds a beautiful mouthfeel.
- Garlic (6 cloves, thinly sliced): Sliced rather than minced for gorgeous golden slivers that infuse the oil and perfume the whole dish.
- Calabrian Chili Paste (1–2 tablespoons, adjust to taste): This Italian staple brings a tangy, spicy fire that’s never overwhelming; add more for extra heat.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors in every bite; highly recommend salting both the pasta water and shrimp.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of black pepper underscores the heat and deepens the sauce.
- Dry White Wine (1/4 cup, optional): Splashes in a gentle acidity and complexity; use only if you’d sip it from a glass!
- Reserved Pasta Water (1/2 cup): The real secret weapon—it transforms the sauce into a silky, clingy masterpiece.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the sauce gloss over the noodles perfectly.
- Lemon Zest (zest of 1 lemon): Brightens everything and gives the dish its uplifting finish.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A little acidity makes the flavors pop and pairs so well with seafood.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish): For color, a fresh herbal note, and the prettiest presentation.
How to Make Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add in your pasta of choice. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick, and cook until just shy of al dente—remember, it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. This water is magic for the sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Chili Paste
While your pasta bubbles away, set a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in your sliced garlic and let it gently sizzle just until fragrant and golden, about 1–2 minutes (keep your eye on it—garlic can burn quickly!). Stir in your Calabrian chili paste, swirling it in the oil for another minute until you can smell that amazing tickle in your nose.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
To the skillet, add your shrimp along with the salt and black pepper. Cook them for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. You want them plump, juicy, and never rubbery, so resist overcooking! Once done, transfer the shrimp out of the skillet and keep them warm nearby.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
With the flavorful bits still sizzling in the skillet, pour in your white wine (if using) and let it bubble for a minute or two, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. This step amps up the flavor and adds a splash of tang. Next, add in your cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together over medium heat until the pasta is perfectly coated and the sauce becomes glossy—it’s pure silk!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to distribute everything evenly. Give the pasta a final drizzle of the remaining olive oil for shine and richness. Mound everything onto warm plates and shower generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately—and brace for compliments!
How to Serve Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A sprinkle of vibrant chopped parsley adds freshness and color, while an extra zest of lemon and a dusting of flaky sea salt take your Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe over the top. For a fancy touch, you can add a few shavings of Parmesan or a light drizzle of fruity olive oil.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a star on its own, but it loves to invite friends to the table! Serve it with a bright arugula salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, roasted broccolini, or classic garlic bread. These sides balance the bold flavors and add crunch or freshness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe in a big, beautiful family-style bowl, letting guests help themselves. For an upscale feel, plate individual portions with a charming twirl of pasta, a few shrimp perched artistically on top, and a flourish of greenery. You can even tuck the pasta into parmesan crisp bowls for a wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled pasta and shrimp to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it a tempting lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
While pasta with shrimp can technically be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh due to shrimp’s texture. If you do freeze it, place in airtight, freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Expect the pasta to be slightly softer and the shrimp less springy after reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or a little olive oil to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the shrimp from overcooking.
FAQs
How spicy is the Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level depends on your chili paste and how much you add. Start with 1 tablespoon for a gentle warmth, or turn it up for a bold, fiery kick. It’s easy to customize for everyone at the table!
What if I can’t find Calabrian chili paste?
No worries! Substitute with red pepper flakes or a spoonful of another chili paste you enjoy. Just taste as you go—flavor and heat levels can vary significantly between brands and varieties.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Thaw them thoroughly in the fridge overnight or under cold running water, then pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp make the Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
If you’d rather skip the wine, just use a splash of chicken or vegetable broth with a few extra drops of lemon juice. It’ll give you that same saucy magic without the alcohol.
How can I make this dish gluten free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or linguine. Everything else in the Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten free!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, bursting with character, and sure to spark smiles, this Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe is pure dinnertime joy. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for the chili paste and linguine again and again. Enjoy every spicy, garlicky, lemony forkful—you deserve it!
Print
Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp. A spicy and savory dish that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite!
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1–2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and chili paste: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Calabrian chili paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Deglaze the skillet with white wine, then add cooked pasta, reserved water, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat.
- Combine and serve: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to combine. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use more Calabrian chili paste for extra heat.
- Add sautéed spinach or arugula for added greens.
- Substitute red pepper flakes if Calabrian chili paste is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
