Description
Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli offers a delightful fusion of rich flavors, combining a velvety basil sauce with the fiery zest of Calabrian chili. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, delivering maximum taste with minimal prep. Its vibrant green hues and rich texture make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a weeknight meal, this pasta dish is sure to impress with its comforting yet exciting flavor profile. Customize the spice level to make it your own!
Ingredients
- Cavatelli Pasta, fresh
- Fresh Basil, bright green leaves
- Calabrian Chili Paste, high-quality
- Heavy Cream, full-fat
- Parmesan Cheese, finely grated and fresh
- Garlic, fresh cloves, minced
- Olive Oil, extra virgin
- Lemon Zest, grated from organic lemons
- Pine Nuts, toasted
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add cavatelli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta but reserve about 1 cup of cooking water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Once hot, toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese until melted completely into the cream.
- Stir in Calabrian chili paste (start with 1 tablespoon) along with lemon zest.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Taste test and add more chili paste if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to store the sauce separately from the pasta if possible.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the cavatelli in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta cooking water or extra cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir continuously until heated through to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Serving: Serve the cavatelli hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and additional grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the dish’s richness and flavor.
Chef’s Tip: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of Calabrian chili paste according to your preference. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0