Name: Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound cavatelli pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper, to taste; Extra basil leaves for garnish; Chili flakes for added heat

Introduction

Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli is a vibrant pasta dish that balances rich creaminess with a spicy kick. Bursting with fresh basil and the fiery warmth of Calabrian chili paste, it’s perfect for those craving comfort with a twist.

The image shows a close-up of a pasta dish with short tubular noodles coated in a rich, creamy orange sauce. The sauce is thick and smooth, mingled with bits of browned ground meat and wilted dark green spinach leaves scattered throughout. Some melted cheese strands stretch between the pasta pieces, adding a glossy texture. The colors mainly include the pale yellow noodles, vibrant green spinach, and warm orange sauce, giving the dish a hearty and comforting look. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound cavatelli pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: extra basil leaves for garnish
Optional: chili flakes for added heat

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the cavatelli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the garlic.
Step 4: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped basil and Calabrian chili paste. Adjust the spice level by adding more chili paste if desired.
Step 6: Add the drained cavatelli to the skillet, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 7: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 8: Let everything warm together on the stove for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 9: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less pasta water; for a thinner sauce, add more gradually.
Add seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can make the sauce bitter.
Use fresh basil for the best aromatic flavor rather than dried basil.
Start with less Calabrian chili paste if unsure about the spice level, then adjust to taste.
For a meatier version, add cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken.
Try a vegan alternative by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Use whole wheat cavatelli for a healthier twist that adds fiber.
Mix in ricotta or mozzarella before serving for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm on the stove with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of cooked pasta in a rich orange sauce, with scattered wilted dark green spinach leaves mixed throughout. The pasta strands are thick and coated heavily with the creamy sauce that has a slightly chunky texture, with hints of melted cheese stretching between the noodles. The overall look is warm and inviting with the contrast between the orange sauce and green leaves clearly visible. The dish appears to have a hearty, comforting texture with the pasta and sauce evenly blended. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, while cavatelli is ideal, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne without compromising flavor.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Begin with a small amount of Calabrian chili paste, then add more gradually after tasting to suit your heat preference.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta shortly before serving for fresh texture.

What kind of wine pairs best with this dish?

A dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, spicy flavors beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Reduce or omit the chili paste for a milder version that kids will enjoy without too much heat.

Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish that combines tender cavatelli pasta with a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic fresh basil and spicy Calabrian chili paste. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner that impresses with every bite.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Lunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound cavatelli pasta

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

Extra basil leaves for garnish
Chili flakes for added heat

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the cavatelli according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Add Cream: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine it smoothly with the garlic.
Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to help it melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Mix in Flavor: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and Calabrian chili paste. Adjust the spice level by adding more chili paste if desired, ensuring the sauce has the perfect balance of heat.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained cavatelli pasta to the skillet. Mix well so that each piece is coated evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
Heat Through: Let the combined pasta and sauce warm together on the stove for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld fully.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of chili flakes for additional color and heat, if desired.

Notes

Adjust the creaminess of the sauce by controlling the amount of reserved pasta water added.
For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding seasonal vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes.
Be cautious not to burn the garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
Use fresh basil to maximize flavor and aroma; dried basil will not provide the same effect.
If uncertain about spice levels, start with less Calabrian chili paste and increase gradually after tasting.

Keywords: creamy pasta, basil pasta, Calabrian chili, cavatelli recipe, spicy pasta, Italian pasta dish, easy dinner, comfort food