pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp Recipe

If there’s one recipe that utterly wins over spicy food lovers and pasta fanatics alike, it’s pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp. This dish is the perfect marriage of fiery Calabrian chilies, tender shrimp, and golden strands of pasta, all kissed with garlic and a touch of lemon. It pulls you in with its fragrant warmth, then delights you with layers of bold, bright flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving something extra special for dinner, pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp is one of those meals that always makes the evening memorable.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp is all about letting a few vibrant ingredients shine. Each one plays an essential role in building flavor, creating a dish that feels both effortless and impressive every time.

• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, their slick surfaces picking up all that spicy, garlicky sauce.
• Large shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled, and deveined—shrimp are the star protein and soak up the Calabrian flavors like a dream.
• Calabrian chili paste: This fiery, smoky Italian condiment is the backbone of the dish’s signature heat—adjust according to your spice preference!
• Garlic: Thinly sliced or minced, garlic infuses the oil and creates an irresistible aroma from the get-go.
• Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, bringing richness and helping to carry those chili flavors throughout the pasta.
• Lemon: Both zest and juice lend uplifting brightness and help balance the heat, so don’t skimp on citrus!
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley not only adds color, but also a touch of herbaceous freshness right before serving.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning each component just right—season as you go for the tastiest results.

How to Make pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your chosen pasta. Give it a good stir and cook until just shy of al dente, about a minute less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce later). Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is liquid gold for loosening and glossing up your final sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

As the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, cooking for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curled, then quickly transfer to a plate. You want them juicy and just cooked through—they’ll return to the pan shortly.

Step 3: Build the Spicy Calabrian Sauce

Toss your garlic slices into the same skillet, turning the heat to medium. Stir for about a minute until fragrant, then add Calabrian chili paste, adjusting the amount for your ideal spice level. Let it bloom for a moment, then pour in a splash of pasta water to lift all those caramelized bits from the pan and create a flavorful sauce base.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing vigorously so every strand gets coated with the glossy, spicy sauce. Add back the shrimp with any collected juices, followed by a grating of lemon zest and the juice of half a lemon. If the sauce seems tight, stir in more reserved pasta water until it’s silky and clings to the noodles.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat, then sprinkle over fresh parsley and give the whole pan a gentle toss. Taste for seasoning—sometimes a final pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon is all you need. Serve pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp immediately, making sure every plate gets plenty of shrimp and a shower of fresh herbs.

How to Serve pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp

Garnishes

To finish your pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp, scatter lots of chopped fresh parsley over each plate for a burst of color and freshness. A fine grating of lemon zest and a drizzle of your very best olive oil send it over the top. If you love a bit of salty edge, a shower of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano works wonders here too.

Side Dishes

This dish sings when accompanied by something cooling and crisp—a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette keeps things fresh, while toasted garlic bread or focaccia is unbeatable for sopping up every last drop of spicy sauce. For a bit more indulgence, roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus make a satisfying, vibrant pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

You can wow your guests by serving pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp family-style in a big, beautiful bowl at the table, letting everyone dig in together. For date night, try portioning into elegant nests on warmed plates with a curl of lemon peel on top. Or, pile smaller servings into cups or ramekins for a unique twist at a cocktail party—bites of shrimp and pasta balanced on mini forks are always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp, let it cool to room temperature then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps its zing and texture for up to two days, making it an irresistible next-day lunch or quick weeknight dinner.

Freezing

While shrimp generally freeze well, the texture of the cooked pasta may change after freezing. For best results, freeze the sauce and shrimp separately from the pasta. When ready to eat, thaw both in the fridge and cook fresh pasta for ultimate texture and flavor.

Reheating

To gently reheat pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir just until warmed through and the shrimp are springy—be careful not to overcook the seafood. A quick squeeze of lemon right before serving revives all those vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are classics, penne, rigatoni, or bucatini all work delightfully well. The key is choosing a pasta shape that will catch the spicy sauce and bits of shrimp in every bite.

How spicy will this dish be?

The heat level is completely flexible—just use less or more Calabrian chili paste depending on your taste. If you’re serving spice-sensitive friends, start with a small amount then pass extra chili oil at the table.

Where can I buy Calabrian chili paste?

Look for it in the Italian section of well-stocked grocery stores, or at specialty markets. Online retailers always carry it if you can’t find it locally, and it keeps for ages in the fridge, ready to jazz up any meal.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free or gluten-free?

Easily! For a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese garnish. Swap out traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.

What else can I add to this dish?

Feel free to make it your own! Wilted spinach, sautéed cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced fennel are lovely additions. Some people love tossing in a handful of briny olives or capers for a bracing, Mediterranean twist.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall for the bold, crave-worthy flavors of pasta with spicy calabrian shrimp—every bite is lively, comforting, and utterly joyful. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or your own midweek treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and experience this unforgettable dish for yourself. Buon appetito!

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