Name: Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, grated; 1 (24-ounce) jar DeLallo Italian Tomato Purée; 2 tablespoons DeLallo Chopped Calabrian Chilis, plus more for serving; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon); ¾ pound DeLallo Shellbows; Minced parsley; Additional parmesan cheese; Extra Calabrian chilis

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 103 reviews

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and just the right amount of zing, you’re going to love this Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings together the brightness of fresh lemon and the smoky heat of Calabrian chilis in such a perfect way—you’ll be coming back to it again and again. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this pasta screams comfort food with a little kick.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Balanced Flavors: The combination of lemon’s brightness and Calabrian chili’s smoky heat creates a deliciously unique pasta sauce.
Simple Ingredients, Stellar Results: It uses pantry staples and a few special touches for a gourmet-quality dish without complicated steps.
Creamy Yet Light: The heavy cream melds perfectly with the tomato base, making it indulgent but still fresh tasting.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or impressing friends, this pasta recipe hits the spot every time.

The image shows a white round pan filled with small shell-shaped pasta covered in a creamy, orange-red sauce. On top of the pasta, there is a sprinkling of finely chopped green herbs and grated white cheese. The edges of the pan have some sauce marks, adding a rustic feel. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta, spicy lemon pasta, Calabrian chili pasta recipe, quick lemon chili pasta, flavorful pasta dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe is all in the ingredients working together. I always hunt for quality olive oil and authentic Calabrian chilis because they really elevate the whole dish. Feel free to get creative with the pasta shape, although I love using shellbows for their fun texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, three whole garlic cloves with papery skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red Italian tomato purée, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant chopped red Calabrian chilis, coarse sea salt crystals scattered neatly, a portion of uncooked Shellbows pasta with their curved shell shape, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with finely grated parmesan cheese, a whole fresh lemon alongside a small white ceramic bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley placed neatly, and a few whole Calabrian chili peppers placed for garnish, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta, spicy lemon pasta, Calabrian chili pasta recipe, quick lemon chili pasta, flavorful pasta dishes

Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality oil; it adds a lovely fruity depth to the base of your sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here—grated garlic infuses so much flavor without any harsh chunks.
Italian Tomato Purée: Look for a rich, smooth purée like DeLallo’s to get that vibrant red, thick sauce.
Chopped Calabrian Chilis: These bring the smoky heat and I recommend adding a little extra when serving for a punch.
Sea salt: A crucial seasoning that balances and enhances all the flavors.
Shellbows pasta: I love these because their shape traps the creamy sauce beautifully, but penne or rigatoni also work.
Heavy cream: This adds silkiness to the sauce—don’t skip it, or you’ll miss out on that luscious texture.
Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key; it melts evenly into the sauce and gives a nutty umami boost.
Grated lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: These brighten the sauce and make it feel fresh and lively.
Minced parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds color and a nice herbal note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Over time, I’ve enjoyed tweaking this Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe to keep things interesting. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or turn up the heat depending on your taste—after all, cooking should be fun and personal!

Spicy Variation: I love adding extra Calabrian chilis or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when serving if I want a bolder kick. It makes the dish sing.
Vegetarian Twist: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can boost it by tossing in sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the same steps—it works beautifully without losing any flavor.
Lightened-Up Version: I sometimes swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free take that’s still creamy and rich.

How to Make Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic to Release Those Aromas

Heat your extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it glistens. Then add the grated garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t brown or burn, which can make it bitter. This step sets the foundation, and that garlicky aroma filling your kitchen is just the best.

Step 2: Build the Sauce with Tomatoes and Calabrian Chilis

Next, pour in the Italian tomato purée, add the Calabrian chilis and salt, then bring everything to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it thicken gently for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally and be patient—this slow simmer deepens the flavors and helps the sauce develop that irresistible, rich texture.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Al Dente While Sauce Simmers

While your sauce is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to boil on high heat. Add the shellbows and cook according to package instructions until al dente—I always taste a piece a minute or two before the recommended time to make sure it’s just right. Drain well but don’t rinse; you want that pasta to hold onto the sauce better.

Step 4: Add Cream, Parmesan, and Lemon for a Luxurious Finish

Back at the sauce pot, stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Keep stirring over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where the sauce turns silky and bright, and it’s my favorite bit to watch unfold.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and use tongs to coat every piece in that luscious, spicy, lemony goodness. When serving, I like to garnish with some extra minced parsley, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a few more Calabrian chilis if you want to amp up the heat. You’ll find that each bite is this wonderful balance of creaminess, citrus zing, and smoky spice.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe

Use Freshly Grated Garlic: Grating garlic instead of mincing gives a more even, gentle garlic flavor throughout, which I discovered makes a huge difference in balancing the sauce.
Simmer Low and Slow: Let the sauce simmer slowly—you’ll end up with richer flavor and a thicker sauce that clings better to your pasta.
Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente ensures it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce; I always test early and often.
Add Cheese Gradually: Stir the parmesan in gradually off high heat to avoid clumping; this tactic keeps your sauce creamy and smooth without any graininess.

How to Serve Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe

A white deep bowl holds a serving of shell pasta covered in orange creamy sauce. The pasta shells are thickly coated and mixed with small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes that add deep red spots throughout the dish. In the center, there is a layer of shredded white cheese sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs, mainly parsley, scattered over the whole pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the top right corner, part of a light brown piece of bread appears. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta, spicy lemon pasta, Calabrian chili pasta recipe, quick lemon chili pasta, flavorful pasta dishes

Garnishes

I like decorating this dish with a few simple finishing touches: a light sprinkle of extra parmesan, a handful of minced fresh parsley for a pop of color, and a few extra Calabrian chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. These little touches lift the dish and make it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

My family often loves pairing this pasta with a crisp, green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. If I’m serving it for a bigger crowd, I throw in a crusty garlic bread that soaks up all those tasty sauce leftovers on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes plate the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, and arrange thin lemon slices around the edges for a fresh, vibrant look. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can make it extra special, turning this homey dish into something to wow dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so the next day I add a splash of water or broth and gently reheat it to loosen things up without drying out the pasta.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta isn’t my first go-to because the cream can sometimes separate, but if you want to, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Thaw and reheat gently with a bit of cream or milk to bring back that smooth texture before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

For reheating leftovers, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream, stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from sticking or drying out. Avoid using the microwave if you can—it tends to make the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I substitute Calabrian chilis if I can’t find them?

Absolutely! While Calabrian chilis have a unique smoky-spicy flavor, you can use other chili flakes or chopped spicy peppers like cherry peppers or even a bit of smoked paprika mixed with red pepper flakes for a similar effect. Just start with less and adjust to taste since the heat levels can vary.
What pasta types work best for Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe?

I’ve used shellbows as well as penne and rigatoni, and all work wonderfully because their shapes trap the sauce nicely. You can get creative with short pasta shapes, but avoid delicate strands like angel hair that might not hold up to the creamy, chunky sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a full-fat oat cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. The lemon and chili flavors still shine through and keep the sauce rich.
How spicy is this pasta?

The heat level is gentle to moderate depending on how many Calabrian chilis you add. I usually add two tablespoons to the sauce and extra on top for folks who like more spice. You can always adjust the amount of chilis to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Lemon Calabrian Chili Pasta Recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy comfort and zesty spice. When I first made it, I was blown away by how the pinch of lemon zest and Calabrian chilis brought the whole dish to life. It’s become my go-to when I want something cozy but never boring. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and the ease of putting it all together. Plus, the smiles around the dinner table say it all.