What exactly is Calabrian chili paste and where can I find it?

Calabrian chili paste is made from hot peppers grown in Calabria, southern Italy. It has a complex, fruity heat that's distinctive from other hot sauces. Look for it in Italian specialty stores, gourmet markets, or online retailers like Amazon. Brands like Tutto Calabria and Bomba are excellent choices.

Can I substitute something else for Calabrian chili paste?

While the unique flavor is hard to replicate exactly, you can substitute with a mixture of regular tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and a touch of red wine vinegar. Start with 1 tablespoon tomato paste, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon vinegar for a similar effect.

Is this dish too spicy for kids?

At the lower end (1 tablespoon of chili paste), this dish has a pleasant warmth rather than overwhelming heat. For family meals, you can set aside some butter without the chili paste for kids' portions, or increase the tomato paste while reducing the chili paste.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are often of excellent quality since they're typically frozen right after catching.

Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe

Name: Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 10 ounces linguine or fettuccine; Shaved parmesan, for serving

Description

This Garlicky Calabrian Chili Pasta with Shrimp is a spicy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender shrimp are cooked in a luscious Calabrian chili butter sauce and tossed with linguine or fettuccine, creating the ultimate Italian-inspired dish packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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
1/4 teaspoon EACH: black pepper AND hot paprika

Everything else

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Chili Butter:
Add the butter ingredients into a food processor bowl: softened butter, garlic, tomato paste, Calabrian chili paste, parsley, lemon zest and juice, black pepper, and hot paprika. Pulse until combined into a smooth, whipped butter. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. You can refrigerate the butter if you’re making it ahead of time. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large, deep skillet on medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared chili butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they curl into a “C” shape and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and place them on a plate. Keep the shrimp warm and do not clean the skillet as you will reuse it for cooking the pasta.
Cook the Pasta:
Generously salt the boiling water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Heat the skillet used to cook the shrimp over medium-low heat. Add the drained pasta, 3 tablespoons of the prepared chili butter, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and heated through. Add additional butter or pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
Assemble and Serve:
Toss the cooked shrimp into the skillet with the pasta and stir to combine. Serve the pasta warm, topped with shaved parmesan for a finishing touch of savory richness.

Notes

Chili Paste: Depending on your spice preference, adjust the amount of Calabrian pepper paste. Use 1 tablespoon for a mild kick, 2 tablespoons for medium spiciness, or 3 tablespoons for a bold, fiery dish. If you prefer less heat but want plenty of flavor, substitute extra tomato paste for some of the chili paste.
Shrimp Tip: Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined before cooking. For best results, pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the skillet to achieve even cooking.
Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is key to creating a silky, cohesive sauce, so don’t forget to reserve some before draining the pasta.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 520kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 990mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 180mg