Spicy Calabrian Chili Pasta (Printable)

Fiery bucatini tossed in bold Calabrian chili oil with garlic, anchovies, parsley, and lemon zest.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14.1 oz bucatini pasta

→ Sauce

02 - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
03 - 3 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste or 2 tablespoons finely chopped Calabrian chilies in oil
04 - 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
05 - 6 anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
06 - 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
07 - 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finish

09 - 0.25 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
10 - Zest of 1 lemon
11 - 0.25 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bucatini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and anchovies, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and anchovies have dissolved.
03 - Stir in Calabrian chili paste and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil.
04 - Add the drained bucatini to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the chili oil. Add reserved pasta water gradually, a splash at a time, until the sauce clings to the pasta.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley and lemon zest.
06 - Transfer to serving plates immediately. Top with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Authentic Heat: Uses genuine Calabrian chili paste for a unique, smoky, and fiery flavor profile.
  • Depth of Flavor: Anchovies and garlic create a savory umami base that perfectly complements the spice.
  • Fast and Easy: A gourmet-quality pasta dish that comes together in just 25 minutes.
02 -
  • Pasta Water Secret: The starchy pasta water is the key to creating a sauce that isn't greasy but instead clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Infusion Heat: Keep the heat at medium when infusing the oil with garlic to prevent bitterness from burnt garlic.
  • Zesty Balance: Do not skip the lemon zest; the acidity is essential to cutting through the richness of the olive oil and highlighting the chili flavors.
Go back