Description
Homemade chili oil pasta delivers a spicy culinary adventure from Sichuan province. Fiery noodles combine fragrant sesame oil, crisp garlic, and red pepper flakes for intense flavor you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb (226 g) rigatoni pasta or penne
- 2.5 tbsps butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or heavy cream
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2.5 tbsps chili oil (just the sediments)
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tbsp oil
- ¼ cup pasta water
- ½ tsp salt (adjust accordingly)
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tsps dried/fresh basil (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, carefully reserving some starchy pasta water before draining.
- Create Flavor Base: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Sauté finely chopped garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, then mix in tomato paste to develop a rich, deep-colored foundation.
- Build Sauce: Drizzle chili oil into the skillet, spreading evenly. Pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Sprinkle dried basil and additional seasonings, allowing the mixture to simmer and slightly thicken.
- Combine and Finish: Introduce reserved pasta water to the sauce, then add cooked pasta and remaining butter. Toss thoroughly to ensure each pasta strand is generously coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, crowning with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy while the dish remains hot and aromatically inviting.
Notes
- Preserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky, emulsified sauce and prevents dryness.
- Garlic Precision: Finely chop garlic and watch carefully while sautéing to prevent burning, which can introduce bitter flavors to the dish.
- Chili Oil Balance: Adjust chili oil quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with small amounts and gradually increasing for desired heat level.
- Cream Whisking Technique: Continuously whisk cream into the sauce to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, luxurious texture that clings perfectly to pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg