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This Calabrian Chili Shrimp Pasta is creamy, spicy, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Itโs an easy weeknight dinner that feels a little special without extra work. Serve it up with an aperol spritz and make it a really happy hour at home.
I reach for this recipe on nights when I crave a bowl of comfort that doesn’t require hours of simmering. The shrimp cooks quickly, the sauce builds in one pan, and the sundried tomatoes and Calabrian chili paste bring all the savory notes that I love. This dish is inspired by the flavors of creamy Tuscan sauce, while also having a rich tomato flavor like my pasta alla vodka and spicy lobster bucatini recipes. I’m a pasta lover through and through.
Ingredients Youโll Need for Calabrian Chili Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp – Large-size shrimp cook quickly and stay tender, making them ideal for fast pasta dishes. Leaving the tails on adds flavor and helps prevent overcooking.
- Tomato paste – Cooking it until brick red concentrates its sweetness and gives the sauce body and color.
- Calabrian chili paste – Adds a savory heat that I love. If you’re sensitive to spice just reduce the amount a bit.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil – These bring savory depth and acidity.
- Heavy cream – Softens the acidity of the tomato paste and creates a smooth, clingy sauce.
- Baby spinach – Wilts right into the pasta, adding a fresh element.
For the rest of the ingredients, please refer to the recipe index card below!
How to Make Calabrian Chili Shrimp Pasta
- Sautรฉ the shrimp. Season the shrimp on both sides with kosher salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the shrimp in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the base. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then cook the shallot and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Develop the tomato paste. Stir in the tomato paste, Calabrian chili, and the sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for 2 minutes. This step adds richness and removes any raw tomato flavor.
- Simmer the sauce. Add the broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and gently simmer for about 8 minutes until thickened.
- Cook the pasta. Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente.
- Finish and combine. Add the pasta, parmesan, butter and spinach to the sauce, tossing until the spinach wilts and butter melts. Return the shrimp to the pan to warm through.
- Garnish with more grated parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
Quick Tips for the Best Calabrian Chili Shrimp Pasta
Donโt overcook the shrimp. Pull them as soon as they turn pink; theyโll finish cooking when added back to the pasta.
Salt the pasta water generously. This is your main chance to season the noodles from the inside.
Adjust richness to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of pasta water.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender.
If you tried this Calabrian Chili Shrimp Pasta recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ๐ star rating and let me know how it went in the ๐ comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Calabrian Chili Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound (16-20) large shrimp, peeled with tails on
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, (Or you can use the oil from the jar of sundried tomatoes)
- 1 medium shallot, peeled and minced
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 teaspoons Calabrian chili
- ยฝ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, diced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetarian broth
- 1 ยฝ cups heavy cream
- ยฝ pound spaghetti
- 2 cups baby spinach, (about 2 ounces)
- ยผ cup finely grated Parmesan-Reggiano, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water. Salt the water generously and set it over medium-high heat. We'll need this ready for boiling our pasta.
- Now, sprinkle the shrimp with kosher salt on both sides. In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil (or oil from the sundried tomatoes). When the oil is warm, add the shrimp in one even layer. Cook on each side for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add in a few more teaspoons of olive oil, if needed. Add in the minced shallot and garlic. Cook until softened, about 1-2 minutes. Then add in the tomato paste, Calabrian chili and sundried tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring and gently scraping up bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook on low heat for about 8 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of the spoon. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed, I added about ยผ teaspoon.
- To the pot of boiling water, drop in the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
- Use tongs to carefully transfer the pasta directly from the pot to the sauce, we want some residual water from the pasta. Then add the parmesan along with the spinach and butter. Toss everything together until combined. Add the shrimp back to the pot to heat through.
- Divide pasta amongst bowls. Then garnish with grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
Quick Tips
Donโt overcook the shrimp. Pull them as soon as they turn pink; theyโll finish cooking when added back to the pasta. Salt the pasta water generously. This is your main chance to season the noodles from the inside. Adjust richness to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of pasta water.Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Excellent Recipe! Delicious and enjoyed by all, thank you!
Amazing, Jill!
This was such a yummy pasta! I made it for my birthday after seeing your story about it on instagram and it turned out perfect! Delicate shrimp, perfect and easy to make sauce that had a perfect heat to it, and yummy sun-dried tomatoes and spinach added in. This is such a great and low prep meal to make. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Alexis, love to hear it!! It’s my favorite combo because it’s not too spicy but flavorful. Thanks for sharing!