Description
A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring cavatelli, fresh basil, and Calabrian chili for a flavorful kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste based on your heat preference.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated on the stove with a splash of water or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg