Spaghetti aglio e olio (Spaghetti with garlic, oil and chili pepper)
- Very easy
- 15 min
- Kcal 462
Vivid red color and inviting aroma set chili pepper cream apart on any table—family meals or quiet nights both get a lift from this creamy, slightly spicy twist rooted in Calabrian cuisine. The smoothness and bold kick in every bite come through with the signature depth only a true red pepper sauce brings, especially with those famous smoky crema undertones. Each swirl delivers a playful mix: the spicy flavor lingers in a way families often love, while a tangy note makes it stand out as something a bit special. Everyone usually notices the colorful look first—so pretty on everything from grilled meats to easy weeknight pasta. That nice visual pop, paired with a creamy heat, turns appetizers, entrée plates, and even simple crostini into things that feel a little more exciting for regular family dinners or friendly gatherings. Nothing fancy—just pure, approachable flavor that works well for food lovers of all ages looking for a delicious boost.
Busy parents often reach for chili pepper cream when looking to make dinners different without any stress. The rich, creamy profile always satisfies (even the picky eaters seem to love the moist and soft finish). It’s definitely a big help at home where flexibility is DEEPLY appreciated: Serve as a smoky crema topping for roast chicken, layer into wraps, or brighten up pasta—there’s almost no meal it can’t handle. Wraps, sandwiches, grilled veggies, pizzas…families use it everywhere. Whenever you want something with a touch of red pepper sauce excitement or a splash of Italian hot pepper cream intensity, this sauce lends an easy warmth that brings everyone to the table. Guests and kids both like how a nice, creamy sauce pulls the whole plate together, and honestly, the leftovers (when there are any!) add a happy twist to lunch the next day. For anyone wanting more adventure in everyday meals—or just craving that flavorful edge from Calabrian cuisine—this spicy cream sauce has become a reliable friend in the kitchen.
To make the chili pepper cream, be sure to wear latex gloves throughout the preparation process. Wash the chili peppers under fresh running water 1 and then clean them: using a small knife, remove the stem 2, then cut them in half lengthwise 3;
remove the flesh and seeds 4 and then set the chili peppers aside. Sprinkle 2 1/2 oz of salt on a tray lined with a dry cloth 5 and lay the cleaned chili peppers side by side 6.
Once laid out, sprinkle the entire surface with the remaining salt you have set aside, distributing it evenly over all the chili peppers 7; when you have finished 8, cover everything with another cloth or a tray 9.
Leave the chili peppers covered for 1 or 2 days, so they lose their water 10, then with the help of a brush, carefully remove the excess salt from each chili pepper 11. Once this operation is complete, take the garlic clove, cut it in half, and use a knife to remove the core 12.
Place the cleaned chili peppers in the bowl of a food processor along with the garlic clove 13, add the oil in a stream, and then blend until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream 14. At this point, you can decide whether to consume the chili pepper cream immediately or store it for a long time: in this case, sanitize an airtight jar, then fill it with the cream and close the lid 15; the vacuum sealing will have occurred if you hear a "pop" when pulling the tab, otherwise, it is recommended not to consume.