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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drizzle chili oil into the skillet, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce. Gently stir to integrate the spicy element with the existing ingredients.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Continuously whisk the mixture to prevent separation and promote a smooth, silky consistency.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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