Spicy Caper Pasta

It is a weeknight and you want something delicious but don’t want to put too much effort in making it. This spicy, briny, herby caper pasta is for you then

This one is for all my spicy lovers out there. Spicy caper pasta is briny, spicy, and is done in mere minutes. You might be skeptical thinking, where is the sauce? Well that is the best part. There is no traditional sauce here. The pasta is coated in a garlic herb infused olive oil that takes 15 minutes to make. This dish is great for a quick lunch or a solo dinner on a crunch, however if you want to make it for more than 1 person just double or triple the recipe.

LET’S TALK PANTRY PASTA

This spicy caper pasta is one of my favorite pantry pastas to make, but what exactly is a pantry pasta? If all the ingredients can be found in your pantry / if they are just common ingredients you have on hand, well, it is a pantry pasta. Pantry pastas are great because not only are they typically under 30 minutes to whip up, but they typically don’t require a run to the supermarket. This recipe calls for dry spices, garlic, and cheese. Okay, and the addition of Calabrian chilies, but if you have patron my site long enough you would know by now that this BELONGS in your pantry. Tip of advice, bookmark pantry pasta recipes whether that be from this site or another. They are great recipes to have on hand for those short on time weeknight dinners or lunches.

Below are some other great pantry pastas on my site to check out!

Crispy Lemon Artichoke Pasta
Lemon Caper Pasta

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR SPICY CAPER PASTA

• Pasta – Players choice here, any pasta works. The pasta photographed is gemelli.
• Olive Oil – Traditional olive oil works well here. I’ve made this with EVOO in the past, but because the burn point is a lot lower you just have to make sure that heat stays on low.
• Capers
• Garlic
• Calabrian Pepper Paste – I went into this ingredient in my Spicy Vodka Rigatoni recipe. There really isn’t a substitution here. Try the Trader Joes Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce or order it from Amazon HERE.
• Cheese – I recommend using parmesan because who doesn’t love parmesan. I did however use manchego last week and it was delicious. Use whatever medium-hard cheese you have on hand. Asiago, and pecorino are also great options. Just no cheddar please!
• Dried Basil
• Dried Oregano
• Paprika – DO NOT USE hot or smoked paprika, this dish is hot enough.
• Chili Flakes – optional to add a pinch to spice mix if you like things real spicy.
• Pepper

HOW TO MAKE SPICY CAPER PASTA

Warm the Spices + Garlic – Add olive oil to a pan over low-medium heat. Once olive oil has heated up add the capers and fry for 3-5 minutes. Warning! the capers will splatter in the oil especially if some of the caper brine gets in the oil. Lower the heat and add garlic. Cook garlic for 3 minutes or until it is soft and fragrant. Add spices and Calabrian pepper paste and cook on low for 5 minutes, until the oil has absorbed the flavor and spices have softened.

Add the Pasta + Cheese – Add cooked pasta, no additional pasta water needed, and cheese and give a toss. If making this a more substantial meal add grilled chicken or shrimp.

Always remember, you control the heat. If you have a sensitive palate reduce the pepper paste to a 1/2 tbsp, or less. You can always add more. If you are like me and love the heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the spice mix.

STORING

This is a pantry pasta, so it is meant to be made and consumed right away. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days if need be.