Calabrian Cream Sauce Recipe

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If you’re ready to add a little spice and a lot of personality to your dinner table, this Calabrian Cream Sauce recipe is the perfect place to start. Trust me, it’s bound to become one of your go-to sauces—just like it did for me!

How to make Calabrian Cream Sauce

Calabrian Cream Sauce is a rich, creamy, and spicy Italian-style sauce made with Calabrian chili peppers, which originate from the Calabria region of southern Italy.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing and adding a touch of richness.
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced – Gives the sauce depth and aroma.
• 2–3 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste) – The star ingredient! Add more or less depending on your spice tolerance. You can use crushed Calabrian chilis instead.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, savory note and thickens the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional) – Enhances the color and adds a mild tanginess.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Balances the flavors.
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional) – For garnish and added freshness.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Calabrian Cream Sauce:

1. Heat the oil: In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
2. Add the Calabrian chili paste: Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for another minute. This step releases the chilis’ aromatic oils and intensifies their flavor. If you prefer less spice, start with a smaller amount of chili paste and adjust later.
3. Incorporate the cream: Reduce the heat to low, and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a creamy, spicy base.
4. Add Parmesan and tomato paste: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if you’re using it, the tomato paste. The cheese will thicken the sauce slightly while the tomato paste adds depth and richness to the flavor.
5. Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Remember, the Parmesan adds natural saltiness, so be careful not to over-season.
6. Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer for another 2–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or chicken broth.
7. Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for garnish. Serve hot over pasta, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pizza, or as a dipping sauce for bread!

Tips for Making the Best Calabrian Cream Sauce

• Adjust the spice level: If you’re not sure about the heat, start with a small amount of Calabrian chili paste (1 teaspoon) and gradually increase. This way, you’ll find the right balance for your tastebuds.
• Explore variations: Substitute heavy cream with sour cream or mascarpone for a different texture. You can also add a splash of white wine while sautéing the garlic for a subtle tang.
• Storage: The sauce stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

What to serve with

Calabrian Cream Sauce is a versatile, show-stopping addition to your kitchen repertoire, offering plenty of opportunities to elevate everyday dishes.

1. Pasta Dishes

Perhaps the most obvious (and beloved) pairing, Calabrian Cream Sauce is the perfect companion to pasta. Its creamy richness coats each strand of pasta while the spiciness adds an exciting kick.

• Fettuccine or Linguine: Long, silky noodles are ideal for creamy sauces and allow the flavorful coating to shine.
• Penne or Rigatoni: Their ridges and hollow shapes trap every bit of the sauce, giving you bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Spaghetti or Bucatini: Perfect for a lighter approach when you want the sauce to gently cling to the pasta strands.
• Pasta al Forno (Baked Pasta): Combine the sauce with pasta, shredded mozzarella, and a protein like sausage or chicken, then bake for a decadent, cheesy treat.

2. Proteins

The bold, spicy, and creamy flavor profile of the sauce makes it an excellent accompaniment to many proteins. You can drizzle it over, serve it on the side, or even use it as a base when cooking.

• Grilled Chicken or Chicken Breasts: The smoky and charred notes from the grill pair wonderfully with the heat of the sauce.
• Shrimp or Scallops: The rich creaminess balances the sweetness of seafood while the chili adds a bold depth.
• Salmon or White Fish (like cod or halibut): Spoon the sauce over a seared or baked fish fillet for a restaurant-quality dish.
• Steak or Pork Chops: A dollop of Calabrian Cream Sauce adds an unexpected flare to a hearty, seared piece of meat.
• Meatballs: Toss Italian-style meatballs in the sauce for a spicy-sweet twist.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re excited to make Calabrian Cream Sauce but find yourself missing a key ingredient or need to cater to dietary preferences, don’t worry! The good news is that the recipe is flexible, and you can experiment with substitutes without losing the essence of the sauce.

1. Calabrian Chili Paste

The spicy, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor of Calabrian chili paste is the heart and soul of this sauce. However, it’s not always easy to find (especially if you’re outside of an Italian grocery store). Thankfully, there are alternatives:

• Chili Flakes or Crushed Red Pepper: This is one of the easiest substitutes as it’s commonly available in most kitchens. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your preferred spice level. Keep in mind that it won’t have the same smoky or tangy depth as Calabrian peppers, but it will add heat.
• Harissa Paste: A North African chili paste, harissa has a similar spicy and smoky profile. It’s slightly more intense, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Hot Sauce (e.g., Sriracha or Tabasco): While they lack the complexity of Calabrian chili paste, they can provide a hint of heat. Choose a less vinegar-forward hot sauce for better results.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes + Crushed Red Pepper: A mix of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes can mimic the tangy, salty, and slightly smoky flavor of Calabrian chilis.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Chipotle peppers deliver smokiness and spice. Mash or blend the peppers into a paste for a similar consistency, but note that this will introduce Southwestern flavor notes.
• Fresh Red Chilies: If you prefer fresh ingredients, finely chop fresh red chilies (like Fresno or Thai chilies) and sauté them with garlic. Add a splash of vinegar to replicate the tang of Calabrian chili paste.

2. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is essential for creating the sauce’s rich, velvety texture. If you’re out of it or want a lighter alternative, here are some options:

• Half-and-Half: Use half-and-half as a lower-fat substitute. The consistency won’t be quite as thick, but it will still yield a creamy sauce.
• Whole Milk + Butter: Combine 3/4 cup of whole milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter for a quick heavy cream replacement. The added fat from the butter provides the richness you’re looking for.
• Coconut Cream or Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is the best alternative. It will add a hint of coconut flavor to the dish, but it works well with the spiciness.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth to make a creamy, plant-based replacement. It’s neutral in flavor and works beautifully in creamy sauces.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a tangy twist, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt. Be sure to heat them gently to prevent curdling.
• Plant-Based Cream Alternatives: Almond cream, oat cream, or soy cream are all great substitutes for heavy cream in vegan or dairy-free options.

3. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor as well as helps thicken the sauce. If you don’t have Parmesan or are looking for other options, here’s how to substitute:

• Pecorino Romano: This cheese is slightly sharper and saltier than Parmesan, offering a more intense flavor. Use it in the same quantity.
• Grana Padano: A milder Italian cheese similar to Parmesan but creamier in flavor. It works as an excellent substitute.
• Nutritional Yeast (Vegan Option): For a plant-based substitute, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor. Mix it with a small amount of almond or cashew butter for a richer texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp white cheddar can be used, though the sauce will have a slightly different flavor profile.
• Asiago or Fontina: These cheeses bring a creamy texture and mild tang, similar to Parmesan.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Mozzarella won’t add much saltiness, but it will provide a creamy consistency when mixed well.

4. Garlic

Garlic adds depth and aroma to the sauce. If fresh garlic isn’t available, try the following:

• Garlic Powder: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute for each clove of fresh garlic. It won’t have quite the same intensity but will bring a hint of garlic flavor.
• Minced Garlic in a Jar: Often preserved in oil, pre-minced garlic is an acceptable alternative. Use about 1 teaspoon per clove.
• Roasted Garlic: If you have roasted garlic, it adds a sweet and mellow flavor to the sauce.
• Shallots or Onion: Finely mince and sauté shallots or onions as a mild garlic substitute. They won’t mimic garlic’s specific flavor, but they’ll add sweetness and depth.

5. Tomato Paste (Optional)

While not always included in the traditional recipe, tomato paste adds a hint of tang and enhances the color of the sauce. If you don’t have any, here are some ideas:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Paste or Puree: Often more concentrated and flavorful than tomato paste; use slightly less.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Blanch and puree fresh tomatoes or use canned tomatoes. Reduce them down to concentrate the flavor.
• Ketchup: Although unconventional, a small amount of ketchup can work in a pinch. Use sparingly to avoid too much sweetness!
• Red Bell Pepper Paste: For a smoky, sweet flavor, red bell pepper paste is a great alternative to tomato paste.

6. Olive Oil

Olive oil brings richness to the sauce and serves as the base for sautéing the garlic and chili paste. If needed, substitute with:

• Butter: Adds a creamy richness to the sauce but may lack olive oil’s distinct fruity flavor.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: Neutral oils can be used, but they don’t contribute additional flavor.
• Avocado Oil: A healthier alternative that performs similarly to olive oil.

7. Fresh Parsley or Basil (Optional Garnish)

Fresh herbs are useful for adding a pop of color and brightness to the sauce. If you don’t have parsley or basil, consider:

• Cilantro: It’s an unexpected but flavorful substitute, though it leans into a more global flavor profile.
• Dried Herbs: A pinch of dried basil, oregano, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can suffice.
• Green Onions or Chives: For a mild onion flavor, finely slice green onions or chives.

Final Thoughts

Calabrian Cream Sauce is incredibly versatile and can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary.

More Sauce Recipes:

• Copycat McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe