Description
Creamy Chili Oil Pasta is a delightful fusion dish combining silky heavy cream and spicy chili oil for a rich, flavorful pasta experience. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed in a garlicky, spicy, and creamy sauce enhanced with Parmesan cheese, making it a quick and satisfying meal for spice lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, etc.)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Chili Oil: Stir in the chili oil and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chili oil sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Adjust chili oil quantity to control the spice level.
- Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free from animal rennet.
- Fresh parsley adds a fresh herbal note to balance the creamy richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
