The Perfect Spicy Chili Oil Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy chili oil pasta enhances ordinary noodles into a sensation of intense, mouthwatering flavor.

Delicate strands become a canvas for robust, fiery elegance that dances between silky smoothness and sharp intensity.

This dish promises an extraordinary culinary adventure where comfort meets excitement on a single plate.

Mediterranean and Asian influences merge seamlessly, creating a harmonious blend of heat and creaminess.

Complex spices weave through rich, velvety textures, inviting adventurous palates to embrace bold sensations.

Depth and complexity elevate this simple recipe from mundane to magnificent.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that ignites your senses.

Best Sides to Pair with Creamy Chili Oil Pasta

• Spark Spicy Wine Companion: Grab a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the chili oil's heat, cutting through the creamy richness while complementing the pasta's bold flavors.
• Cool Herbal Beverage Boost: Serve a refreshing mint lemonade or cucumber-infused sparkling water to provide a cooling contrast against the spicy, creamy sauce.
• Crisp Salad Side Kick: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding a fresh, peppery crunch that perfectly offsets the pasta's decadent texture.
• Cheese Board Accent: Create a side plate with mild goat cheese, soft mozzarella, and toasted pine nuts to enhance the dish's creamy profile and provide delightful texture variations.

Creative Variations of Creamy Chili Oil Pasta

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace tomato paste with white wine and add sautéed shrimp or scallops for a luxurious ocean-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your pasta.
• Vegetarian Herb Embrace: Swap butter for olive oil and incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create a hearty plant-based alternative with rich Mediterranean notes.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Include cooked chicken or crispy pancetta during the sautéing stage, increasing protein content and adding a savory depth that transforms the pasta into a more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Zinger: Introduce crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano to give the pasta a Greek-inspired profile with tangy and herbaceous undertones.

Creamy Chili Oil Pasta: A Spicy, Creamy Comfort Dish

• Spice Up Your Pasta Night: This creamy chili oil pasta delivers a bold, fiery kick that transforms an ordinary meal into an exciting culinary adventure. The combination of butter, cream, and chili oil creates a luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
• Quick Comfort in a Skillet: Whipped up in just 15 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal. The simple one-pan method means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute cravings.
• Customize Your Heat Level: The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility with chili oil. Adjust the amount to match your personal spice tolerance, allowing everyone from mild-loving to heat-seeking foodies to enjoy the same delicious base recipe. Topped with fresh Parmesan, it becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Making Creamy Chili Oil Pasta

• Pasta: Hearty base for the dish, choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well like penne or fusilli.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich, smooth fat base that creates depth of flavor and helps coat the pasta.
• Tomato Paste: Deep, concentrated tomato flavor that adds rich umami to the sauce.
• Chili Oil: Spicy, aromatic oil that brings heat and complex flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy, luxurious ingredient that creates a smooth, velvety sauce texture.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds bright, herbal notes to the final dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that provides a sharp finish and additional richness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors in the recipe.

How to Make Creamy Chili Oil Pasta with Bold Flavors

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in lightly salted boiling water following package instructions. Save pasta water, then drain remaining water.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chili oil and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves

Cook until sauce slightly thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour reserved pasta water into the skillet. Add cooked pasta and remaining butter. Toss until pasta is completely coated with creamy chili sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Perfecting the Chili Oil Pasta Sauce

• Select High-Quality Chili Oil: Choose a flavorful, authentic chili oil with rich, deep red color and visible chili flakes for maximum taste impact.
• Control Pasta Cooking Time: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and ensure perfect sauce absorption.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust chili oil quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Stir continuously while adding cream to prevent separation and achieve smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast garlic gently to release nutty aromatics without burning, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Storing Leftover Creamy Chili Oil Pasta

• Refrigerate pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor. When reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency. Discard any leftovers that smell off or look discolored to ensure food safety.

Chili Oil Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chili oil pasta brings Italian and Asian flavors together in one irresistible dish. Silky noodles coated with spicy, fragrant oil create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• ½ pound (226 grams) rigatoni pasta or penne

Dairy:

• 2.5 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream or heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 6 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2.5 tablespoons chili oil (just the sediments)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ¼ cup pasta water
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust accordingly)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried/fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil and submerge pasta, cooking until it reaches an al dente texture according to package instructions. Carefully extract of starchy pasta water before draining the remaining pasta in a colander.
2. Place a skillet over medium heat and combine unsalted butter with olive oil. Allow the mixture to warm and shimmer, then introduce finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate tomato paste into the butter-oil mixture, stirring vigorously to create a rich, deep-colored base. Let the paste cook for roughly 1 minute to intensify its flavor profile.
4. Drizzle chili oil into the skillet, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce. Gently stir to integrate the spicy element with the existing ingredients.
5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Continuously whisk the mixture to prevent separation and promote a smooth, silky consistency.
6. Sprinkle in dried basil and additional seasonings, stirring to distribute flavors evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken, which should take approximately 1-2 minutes.
7. Reintroduce the reserved pasta water to the sauce, helping to loosen and enhance its texture. Add the cooked pasta and remaining butter, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is generously coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
8. Transfer the pasta to serving plates and finish with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Elevate your pasta game with this spicy, creamy twist that transforms a simple dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Chili oil adds a vibrant kick, creating a perfect balance between heat and richness that will make your taste buds dance.
• Pasta water is the secret weapon, helping to create a silky, clingy sauce that hugs every single noodle.
• Sautéing garlic in butter releases deep, nutty flavors that form an incredible flavor foundation for this quick meal.
• Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami finish that rounds out the dish’s complex flavor profile, making every bite irresistible.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 150mg