Calabrian Chili Spinach Pasta (Only 20 Minutes!)
Updated Jul 14, 2025, Published on Sep 09, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Calabrian Chili Spinach Pasta has a perfect balance of fresh flavors from the spinach and parsley, spice from the Calabrian chili paste, and a little richness from the butter folded in at the end. Between chopping up the garlic and shallot, cooking the pasta, and sautéing the other ingredients, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes!
If you like this recipe, make sure to check out my other pasta recipes as well!
Recipe Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta I used shells; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water - I cooked my pasta while I sautéed the other ingredients so I just transferred the cooked pasta directly into the pan with a slotted spoon. Some pasta water came with the cooked pasta so I didn't need to add any additional pasta water. If you cook the pasta first and drain it, you will want to reserve a little pasta water to help wilt the spinach and form a light sauce.
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 Shallot minced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tsp Calabrian Chili Paste - this stuff can be pretty spicy! Adjust the amount used based on your spice preference
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 2 cups Spinach I added a couple handfuls
- 1 tbsp Butter I used Kerrygold Sundried Tomato & Basil Butter Blends
- 1/4 cup Parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese - freshly grated is best!
Recipe Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water to al dente according to package instructions. Set aside about a 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a high-rimmed pan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
- Mix in the Calabrian Chili Paste and salt & pepper to taste. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add spinach and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and a couple splashes of hot pasta water. Stir to combine. The spinach will wilt quickly. Mix in the butter and chopped parsley until melted and well combined.
- Divide among bowls and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Did you try this Calabrian Chili Spinach Pasta? Leave a Review!
Save this recipe for a super easy lunch or dinner that comes together in 20 minutes without sacrificing any flavor! The garlic, shallots, Calabrian chili paste, spinach, and parsley create a delicious pasta that is light but satisfying.
If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok
Calabrian Chili Spinach Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta, I used shells; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water
- 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Shallot, minced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon Calabrian Chili Paste, adjust based on spice preference
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups Baby Spinach, I added a couple handfuls
- 1 tablespoon Butter, I used Kerrygold Sundried Tomato & Basil Butter Blends
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese , freshly grated to serve
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water to al dente according to package instructions. Set aside about a 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a high-rimmed pan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
- Mix in the Calabrian Chili Paste and salt & pepper to taste. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add spinach and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and a couple splashes of hot pasta water. Stir to combine. The spinach will wilt quickly. Mix in the butter and chopped parsley until melted and well combined.
- Divide among bowls and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Video
@carolbeecooks Replying to @charlotte (alex’s wife) meausre with your heart with this one but this is how I made this pasta! 🫶
♬ Choking on Flowers - Fox Academy
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
