Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (2024)

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Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp is an easy pasta recipe that you can make in around 30 minutes! It starts with a homemade Calabrian chili butter that we’ll sear the shrimp in then toss with pasta! So easy and so delicious!

Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (1)

Fiery and so flavorful in the best way!

Calabrian chili pasta is seriously one of the easiest pasta dinner recipes.

It starts with an easy homemade Calabrian chili butter. The best part about making the chili butter is that you’re in the driver’s seat, and you get to control how spicy you make this. We like to use a generous amount of chili paste; however, you could easily sub with a little more tomato paste and a little less chili to make this milder. It starts with Calabrian chili paste, a squeeze of tomato paste, and a few other pantry staple ingredients. Then, we’ll sear the shrimp in this incredibly flavorful butter and toss it all together with pasta!

Voila! It couldn’t be easier!

Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (2)

Ingredients for Calabrian Chili Pasta:

  • Butter: Softened butter is the main ingredient in homemade Calabrian chili butter. I prefer to use salted butter for this recipe because we’ll eliminate the need for salting the shrimp altogether that way.
  • Seasonings: big pinch of black pepper and hot paprika are used to flavor the chili butter.
  • Garlic cloves: This is a garlic lovers dream! Use as much or as little garlic as you’d like. Our sweet spot was 5 cloves, which gave it really delicious flavor.
  • Pastes: You’ll need two kinds: tomato paste and Calabrian chili paste. I found Calabrian chili paste as Trader Joes, and a lot of grocery stores carry it too now in the international aisle. You can also purchase it online.
  • Herbs + Lemon: You’ll need a bit of fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a tablespoon of lemon juice. These ingredients all add freshness to the chili butter.
  • Shrimp: I use a pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. I suggest patting the shrimp completely dry before cooking them in the chili butter. I find they sear much better that way!
  • Pasta: I prefer to use linguine for this recipe, however, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even bucatini would be delicious here if you happen to have those on hand.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shaved parm make this cheesy and delicious!
Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (3)

How to Make Calabrian Chili Pasta:

  1. Make Calabrian chili butter: Start by adding the butter, garlic cloves, tomato paste, chili paste, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, pepper, and paprika to the bowl of a food processor. You want to pulse the ingredients until the garlic breaks down and the butter is whipped and combined. Remove the whipped butter to a bowl and set aside for now. If you’re making the pasta later, cover the butter and refrigerate until needed. You want to start boiling a large pot of water for the pasta while you get the shrimp going.
  2. Sear the shrimp. Grab a deep skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add two tablespoons of the chili butter and immediately add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear the shrimp on one side before flipping and cooking the other side. Remove the shrimp to plate and keep warm for now.
  3. Cook the pasta, save the water. When the water is boiling, salt it generously and cook the pasta according to package directions. Remove 1 cup of pasta water before you drain. Immediately add the pasta to the skillet that you cooked the shrimp in over medium-low heat. Add three tablespoons of the prepared butter along with a splash of pasta water. Toss the pasta to combine. Taste and add more chili butter to taste. We like it with about 4 tablespoons. Add the shrimp, toss together, and serve warm topped with shaved parmesan.
Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (4)

FAQs about Calabrian Chili Pasta

Is the pasta really spicy?

It can be depending on the amount of chili paste you use! If you prefer low to medium spice, I suggest 1 tablespoon of chili paste and subbing it a bit more tomato paste to make sure there’s still plenty of flavor. 2 tablespoons for medium-hot food, and the full 3 tablespoons will make this extra spicy. We prefer this with two leveled tablespoons.

What are your suggestions for leftover chili butter?

I use it to make scrambled eggs; it gives it the most delicious flavor! You could also use it to flavor grilled cheese sandwiches or rub the butter over a salmon filet and roast it in the oven! So many ways to use it!

How long will leftover chili butter last?

About 1 week or so. I suggest covering and storing it in the refrigerator.

Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (5)

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

  • Creamy Paprika Chicken Pasta
  • Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Garlic
  • Crazy Good Garlic Noodles
  • Creamy One Pot Mushroom Pasta
  • Easy Cacio E Pepe
Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (6)

Yield: serves 4-5

Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp is an easy pasta recipe that you can make in around 30 minutes! It starts with a homemade Calabrian chili butter that we'll sear the shrimp in then toss with pasta! So easy and so delicious!

Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (7)

Ingredients

Calabrian Chili Butter:

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 4-5 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste
  • 1-3 tablespoons Calabrian pepper paste (see notes)
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon EACH: black pepper AND hot paprika

Everything else:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled + deveined
  • 10 ounces linguine or fettuccine
  • Shaved parmesan, for serving

Instructions

    1. PREP: Add the ingredients listed for the butter to a food processor bowl and pulse until combined into whipped butter. Remove to a bowl; set aside for now. You can refrigerate for later. Bring a large pot of water to boil while you start preparing the shrimp.
    2. SHRIMP: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the shrimp cooking and stirring as needed until they curl up into a ‘c’ shape. Remove the shrimp to a plate; keep warm. Don’t rinse the skillet; we’ll use it for cooking the pasta.
    3. PASTA: Salt the water generously when the water is boiling; cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Set aside 1 cup of pasta water before draining pasta. Heat the skillet that you cooked the shrimp in over medium-low heat. Add the pasta, 3 tablespoons of prepared chili butter, along with a small splash of pasta water, and toss the pasta to combine and heat through. Add more pasta water as needed to make a sauce. Taste and adjust with more butter or pasta water as needed. Toss in the shrimp, serve warm topped with shaved parm!

Notes

  • Chili paste: If you prefer low to medium spice, I suggest 1 tablespoon of chili paste and subbing it a bit more tomato paste to make sure there's still plenty of flavor. 2 tablespoons for medium-hot food, and the full 3 tablespoons will make this extra spicy. We prefer this with two leveled tablespoons.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I'd love to see what you made!

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30 Minute Meals SummerCalabrian chili Calabrian chili butter Italian pasta pescatarian seafood shrimp shrimp pasta spicy

originally published on Sep 7, 2021 (last updated Aug 5, 2022)

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6 comments on “Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp”

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  1. Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (11)

    Laura Reply

    The paprika is not listed in the ingredient list how much do you put in?

    • Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (12)

      Marzia Reply

      Hi Laura! It’s listed on the last line with the black pepper under ‘Calabrian chili butter’ since it’s the same quantity – ¼ teaspoon! Hope you enjoy the pasta!

  2. Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (13)

    Heidi Maria Reply

    Okay, first. Oh my flavor goodness. I hear about calabrian chilis on cooking shows all the time and finally purchased some from Amazon when I saw this recipe. My persnickety boyfriend took one bite and said this was the best pasta dish he had ever had. I gave him the side eye and he said he was not kidding and he wanted it again tomorrow for dinner. Major winning meal! My brother is visiting next week and I can’t wait to make it for him!!! Simply amazing!

    5

    • Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (14)

      Marzia Reply

      Hi Heidi! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the flavor and that it was such a hit for you! I’m thrilled that you’re making it again for family too! Thank you for taking the time to circle back and leave a review 🙂

  3. Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (15)

    L Reply

    I’ve made this twice in as many weeks! It’s so easy yet completely delicious! Tastes like something you’d order at a high end Italian restaurant. I used 2 tablespoons of the Calabrian chili paste & it wasn’t too hot for us. I also used all the butter, rather than have one tablespoon left over. Thank you, Marzia!

    5

    • Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (16)

      Marzia Reply

      Hi there! So glad to hear you’ve made and enjoyed the Calabrian chili pasta! Thank you for taking the time to circle back and leave a review 🙂

Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe - Little Spice Jar (2024)

FAQs

What is the spice level of Calabrian chili? ›

Calabrian peppers are a medium-hot chili (25,000 to 40,000 Scoville heat units). To put that in perspective, they're between three and 16 times hotter than Jalapeño peppers; they're generally considered slightly milder than cayenne peppers.

How long do jarred Calabrian peppers last? ›

Calabrian chiles are often sold in jars, packed in oil and/or vinegar, and will keep for a year or more if sealed. Once opened, store the jars in the refrigerator where they will keep for several months.

How spicy is Calabrian chili paste? ›

How spicy are they? Most types of Calabrian chili peppers have a moderate spiciness (about 20,000 – 30,000 Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville scale). This means that they are around 10 times hotter than jalapeño peppers (2,500 – 8,000 SHU) and a little less hot than a fresh Cayenne pepper (30,000 – 50,000 SHU).

What does Calabrian chili sauce taste like? ›

There's something fruity, almost citrusy to the taste. It's got some faint onion and garlic vibes and some typical Italian herbs like oregano and basil, but all in all, this is just head and shoulders above your average Italian pasta sauce. I'd put the heat level somewhere around a 5 or 6, on a scale of 1 - 10.

What is similar to calabrian chili? ›

Calabrian peppers substitute can be chosen from a variety of options: anaheim peppers, jalapeno peppers, habanero peppers, serrano peppers, and many others.

What is the closest thing to a Calabrian chili? ›

There are plenty of substitutes for Calabrian chilies if you can't find them at your local grocery store. Anaheim peppers, serrano peppers, poblano peppers, and Fresno chilies are all great options. If you're looking for more heat than flavor, then red pepper flakes are also a good option.

Do jarred hot peppers go bad? ›

Unopened and kept in a cool, dark place (like a pantry), purchased pickled items will last years. Once opened, they should last about one year at near-peak quality.

Are calabrian peppers good for you? ›

Calabrian chili peppers are generally dark red in color and have an elongated shape. They are often dried and preserved in oil to increase their shelf life. Calabrian chili peppers are a good source of vitamins A and C , as well as potassium and iron.

How to tell if pepperoncini are bad? ›

To tell if fresh pepperoncini have gone bad, look for signs of wrinkling, dark spots, or a slimy texture, which indicate that they are starting to rot. The peppers should feel firm and have a bright color. In case of pickled pepperoncini, if the jar was not sealed correctly, mold may develop.

Are Calabrian chilis healthy? ›

Calabrian Chili Peppers not only add delicious flavor to your dishes but also offer a range of health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron.

Does Trader Joe's have Calabrian chili? ›

Trader Joe's Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce is made with fermented Calabrian chili peppers and builds heat, bite by bite, until you reach a crescendo of spice so invigorating that it paradoxically keeps you coming back for more. Drizzle it on pizza, grilled chicken, veggies, or scrambled eggs in lieu of hot sauce.

What kind of Calabrian chili does Bobby Flay use? ›

Flay loves Calabrian chiles

There are the thin and tapered sigaretta peppers, the conical naso di cane peppers, and the orb-like carasella peppers. These chiles are well-known for their fruity and smoky quality, and they pack an impressive amount of heat — between 25,000 to 40,000 Scoville heat units.

Is Calabrian chili sauce spicy? ›

The Calabrian Chili is ranked at 25,000 to 40,000 Scoville units.

What kind of meat is Calabrian? ›

The Calabrian black pork is characterised by its lean and compact meat (thanks to a higher presence of unsaturated fats than saturated fats), rich in vitamins E and D and highly bioavailable iron, which is used for the production of sausages, soppressata, other typical cured meats and to produce the award-winning nduja ...

Are Calabrian peppers hotter than jalapenos? ›

Calabrian chilis typically rank from 20k – 40k on the Scoville scale (around 10x hotter than a jalapeno pepper).

How are chile peppers ranked in hotness? ›

The ranges of Scoville Heat Units (SHU) typically used to call a pepper mild, medium, hot, or extra hot are: Mild (100 to 2,500) Medium (2,500 to 30,000) Hot (30,000 to 100,000)

What is the spiciest Italian pepper? ›

A typical peperoncino from Calabria rates 15,000 to 30,000 on the Scoville scale. Notable Calabrian dishes which use peperoncini are the condiments bomba calabrese, chili oil and the spreadable pork sausage 'nduja.

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