Calabrian Chili Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste (or 4 Calabrian chilies, chopped)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt 2 tbsp of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until golden but not dark.

2. 2

   Stir in tomato paste and Calabrian chili paste. Cook 1 minute, pressing them into the pan.

3. 3

   Add white wine and cook for 2 minutes until reduced by half.

4. 4

   Add pasta water and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. 5

   Remove from heat. Add remaining cold butter cubes a few at a time, swirling the pan constantly to create a glossy emulsion.

6. 6

   Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.

7. 7

   Taste and season with salt and pepper. Toss immediately with hot pasta or serve over protein.