Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe
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.
- 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
