picy, creamy, and irresistibly delicious this Creamy Chili Oil Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish for pasta lovers! Inspired by the viral Spicy Vodka Pasta but made without the alcohol, this recipe features a luscious chili oil-infused sauce that coats every bite of rigatoni. The combination of garlic, tomato paste, and heavy cream creates a velvety texture, while the chili oil adds just the right amount of heat. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, making it versatile and family-friendly. Serve it with fresh basil and parmesan for a truly satisfying meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this pasta will quickly become a household favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- ½ lb rigatoni pasta (or penne)
- 2.5 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2.5 tbsp chili oil (just the sediments)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or heavy cream)
- ¼ cup pasta water
- ½ tsp salt (adjust accordingly)
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tsp dried/fresh basil (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions:
- Boil pasta in lightly salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
- In a pan over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter with the oil. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add chili oil and mix well.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Add salt, sugar, paprika (if using), and basil. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Add the reserved pasta water, cooked pasta, and remaining butter. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve hot with freshly grated parmesan. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you enjoy bold flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of spice, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Here are some reasons why this recipe stands out:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it comes together in just 25 minutes! It requires only a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal when you’re craving something indulgent yet effortless.
2. Perfect Balance of Heat and Creaminess
Spicy pasta can sometimes be overpowering, but the addition of heavy cream in this dish creates the perfect balance. The richness of the cream tames the chili oil’s intensity, ensuring a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel.
3. Highly Customizable
This recipe serves as an excellent base for countless variations. Whether you want to add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu, or incorporate extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, there’s no limit to how you can modify it to suit your taste. You can also adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of chili oil used.
4. Restaurant-Quality at Home
Craving something fancy without the hefty restaurant price tag? This dish looks and tastes gourmet, yet requires minimal effort. The velvety sauce clings beautifully to rigatoni or penne pasta, making every bite feel indulgent and luxurious.
What Makes Chili Oil Special?
Chili oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, bringing not just heat but also depth and complexity to the dish. But what makes it so special?
1. The Aromatic Infusion of Flavors
Unlike plain chili flakes or hot sauce, chili oil is made by infusing oil with a blend of aromatics, including garlic, shallots, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chilies. This slow infusion results in a deep, rich, and smoky flavor that enhances every dish it touches.
2. Versatility Beyond Pasta
Chili oil isn’t just for pasta! It’s commonly used in Asian cuisine for dumplings, noodles, stir-fries, and even drizzled over eggs or avocado toast. If you make your own chili oil at home, you can experiment with different spice levels and additional aromatics to create a version that’s perfectly suited to your taste.
3. Balancing Heat with Umami
While the spice is an obvious factor, chili oil also adds umami—the deep, savory flavor that makes food more satisfying. Paired with the creaminess of the sauce and the tanginess of tomato paste, it elevates this pasta dish from simple to extraordinary.
Best Pasta Choices for This Dish
While this dish works with any pasta variety, certain shapes and textures enhance the experience.
- Rigatoni – The large, ridged surface of rigatoni helps it hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Penne – A great alternative with a tube-like shape that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Shell Pasta – The curved shape traps bits of garlic and chili oil, making every bite a flavor bomb.
- Fettuccine or Tagliatelle – If you prefer longer noodles, these work well for an elegant touch.
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives made from rice, lentils, or chickpeas.
How to Adjust the Spice Level
Everyone has a different tolerance for spice, so this recipe allows for customization. Here’s how you can control the heat:
- Mild Version: Use only 1 tbsp of chili oil and ensure it’s a mild variety.
- Medium Heat: Stick to 2-2.5 tbsp of chili oil, balancing it with more cream.
- Extra Spicy: Go all-in with 3 tbsp or more, or even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top.
If you’re serving this dish to multiple people with varying spice tolerances, you can prepare the pasta on the milder side and let individuals drizzle extra chili oil on their portions as desired.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Creamy Chili Oil Pasta is rich and indulgent on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can enhance the meal:
1. Garlic Bread or Focaccia
A slice of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a rosemary-infused focaccia would complement the flavors beautifully.
2. Light Salad
Since this pasta is on the heavier side, a simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast.
3. Protein Additions
For a heartier meal, add grilled shrimp, chicken, or even crispy tofu. These proteins soak up the sauce and add extra texture.
4. Wine Pairing
If you’re looking for a perfect wine pairing, go for a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé to cut through the richness. A chilled glass of Riesling with slight sweetness also balances the heat nicely.
Conclusion:
Creamy Chili Oil Pasta is a dish that brings together spice, creaminess, and umami in a single bowl. It’s a perfect weeknight comfort meal that feels both indulgent and easy to make. The combination of chili oil, garlic, and cream creates a rich and flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to pasta, making every bite satisfying.
Whether you prefer it mild or extra spicy, with added proteins or just as is, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any preference. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with chili oil in your cooking and discover how it can elevate even the simplest of dishes.
