Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe
Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender cavatelli with a luscious cream sauce infused with fragrant garlic, fresh basil, and spicy Calabrian chili paste. This easy-to-make Italian-inspired recipe blends the creaminess of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream with a kick of heat, perfect for a comforting yet vibrant meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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 Garnish
- 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 package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the garlic.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Mix in Flavor: Stir in the chopped basil and Calabrian chili paste. Adjust the spice level by adding more chili paste if desired.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: 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.
- Season: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Heat Through: Let everything warm together on the stove for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste to control the spice level.
- You can substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Use fresh basil for the best aromatic taste, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture, as the sauce thickens upon standing.
Keywords: Cavatelli, Creamy Pasta, Basil Pasta, Calabrian Chili, Italian Pasta, Spicy Pasta, Parmesan Sauce
