Chili-Crisp Chicken Pasta with Charred Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 poundchicken breast
- 12 ouncepasta
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 4 tablespoonchili crisp oil
- 1lemon
- ½ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ·kosher salt
- ·black pepper
- ·fresh parsley
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 garlic cloves.
- 02
Chop a small handful of fresh parsley for garnish.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes under the box time. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 02
While water heats, cut chicken breast into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick). Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 03
Heat 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- 04
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is deeply browned at the edges and fragrant—don't burn it.
- 05
Return chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over everything, then add 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss gently over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats the noodles.
- 06
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add more pasta water a splash at a time if the pasta seems dry. Divide into bowls and top with a handful of fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
The heat level is moderate from the chili crisp and red pepper flakes. For extra punch, add another 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the oil or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce. For gentler warmth, use only 1 tablespoon chili crisp oil and skip the red pepper flakes entirely.
Chili crisp oil is the star here—use a quality brand like Lao Gan Ma or similar. If you don't have it on hand, substitute 2 tablespoons olive oil plus 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, then drizzle with hot sauce or extra-virgin olive oil mixed with chili flakes after cooking.