I first saw this recipe using calabrian chilies on whatsgabbycooking. I was curious as to the word “calabrian” and come to find out Calabria is a region in Southern Italy, located at the toe of the foot where calabrian chilies are grown.These chilies are small, red in color and have a smoky and fruit flavor with a Scoville heat unit of 25,000 – 40,000, or a medium heat. My kind of pepper – it does have a kick, in a good way!
Calabrian Chili Pasta
- 1 lb. Cassarecce pasta
- 1/3 cup EVOO (I used less)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (my lemons were small so I used 2)
- 3 tbsp. Calabrian hot pepper paste (to taste)
- 1 cup pecorino romano, shredded (more to garnish)
- chives, minced (I added)
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup or more of the pasta water for future use; set aside.
In a large skillet heat the oil; add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the lemon zest (save the lemon juice for later) and saute for 15 seconds. Add the hot pepper paste and stir until combined.
Add the cooked pasta and mix well. Add some of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin and the lemon juice; toss to combine.
Sprinkle the pecorino over the pasta and toss to coat. Serve with extra Romano cheese.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
Oh wow, this sounds so good! I love peppers and I love pasta and I love cheese and this sounds like a wonderful combination of flavors with the added lemon. Will try this tonight!
Hope you have a chance to try this pasta dish. It’s simple with just a few ingredients, hint of lemon and the Calabrian paste adds a nice punch 🙂
Lemon pasta is my favorite, and the addition of chili sounds so good.
Calabrian chili paste is new to me. I need to check it out! 🙂
This pasta dish hit all the right flavors – light, lemony, cheesy with a kick from the Calabrian paste )
always a great idea to add a bit of pasta water!
I seem to recall that you are not a pasta lover so thanks for the comment Sherry. It’s always a good idea to save some starchy pasta water 🙂
very true 🙂 Not much of a pasta fan tho hubby loves the stuff.
I love lemony pastas, but I’ve never had one with chile before. Yum!
It’s a great recipe Jeff – I know you will love it 🙂
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