If you’re someone who loves a pasta dish that hits all the right notes—creamy, spicy, fresh, and utterly comforting—then let me introduce you to the magic of the Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe. This dish brings together pillowy cavatelli coated in a luscious cream sauce that’s perfectly balanced thanks to the bold heat of Calabrian chili peppers and the bright, fragrant burst of fresh basil. Each bite is a delicious dance of flavors and textures that will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll crave every single night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward but don’t underestimate the power of each component; from the crunchy shallots to the spicy chili, every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting layers of taste, texture, and color that make this dish stand out.
- 1 pound Cavatelli pasta: This chewy pasta shape holds onto sauce beautifully, giving every bite a delightful texture.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and serves as the perfect base for sautéing shallots and garlic.
- 2 medium Shallots: Their mild sweetness deepens the flavor profile without overpowering.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Finely chopped to infuse the sauce with a savory punch of aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Essential seasoning to elevate all the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds: Offers a subtle anise-like flavor that complements the creaminess in a unique way.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste: Gives the sauce a rich, tangy foundation that perfectly balances the cream.
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili peppers: Provides just the right amount of spicy kick, adjustable to your preference.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: The luscious star that makes the sauce decadently smooth and silky.
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced to add vibrant aroma and a touch of freshness right before serving.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note to round out the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a savory depth that’s impossible to resist.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: A finishing touch that adds subtle heat and complexity.
How to Make Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. While that warms up, chop all your aromatics and herbs so everything is ready to go—this prep step makes the whole cooking process feel like a breeze. Once boiling, add the cavatelli and cook it for one minute less than the package instructions advise to keep it perfectly al dente. This slight undercooking means the pasta will finish in the sauce and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter until it’s sizzling gently. Toss in the shallots and sauté for about two minutes until they start to soften and become translucent. Then add the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until both are tender and fragrant. Season with a pinch of kosher salt to help bring out their natural sweetness and deepen the overall flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Sprinkle in the fennel seeds, tomato paste, and Calabrian chili peppers, stirring together the aromatic mixture. Let this cook for about a minute so the tomato paste can caramelize slightly, enhancing its richness and allowing the chilis’ heat to infuse the sauce. This is where the dish really starts to develop its signature taste.
Step 4: Creamy Sauce Transformation
Pour in the heavy cream and grab about half a cup of the pasta’s starchy cooking water before draining. Add this precious pasta water to the skillet and stir until everything is smoothly combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, which usually takes about a minute, creating the luscious, velvety texture that makes this Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Finish
Stir in the fresh oregano and basil, seasoning the sauce with another pinch of salt. Drain your pasta and add it straight into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently so each piece of cavatelli is coated with that creamy, spicy goodness. Now, gradually sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and envelops the pasta. If the sauce feels too loose, crank the heat slightly and stir to thicken. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more pasta water until it reaches your perfect creaminess.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Serve the creamy cavatelli hot, finishing it off with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. For extra elegance and freshness, garnish with some more basil leaves and a light dusting of parmesan. This final flourish brings the dish to life and is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share in this meal.
How to Serve Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate it even more. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and herbal brightness, while extra parmesan cheese introduces another layer of savory richness. For those who love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed Calabrian chili flakes on top amps up the spicy vibe beautifully. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also bring a silky finish that completes the experience.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add depth and texture. For a heartier option, garlic bread or a rustic focaccia offer perfect moppable goodness to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not surprise your guests by serving this dish family-style in a large, rustic bowl piled high and garnished generously with herbs? Alternatively, plate individual servings with a little basil chiffonade artfully scattered on top, paired with a wine glass of something bright and acidic like a Sauvignon Blanc. You can even experiment by tossing in toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to add new bursts of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any of the Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe left, cool it promptly and place it in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind that pasta tends to absorb sauce, so the texture might be a bit firmer when reheated, but the flavors remain delightfully intact.
Freezing
This recipe doesn’t freeze as well as some because the cream sauce can separate, changing the texture. However, if you want to freeze it, do so promptly after cooking and cool it completely. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to help prevent the sauce from breaking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water as needed to revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating so the basil remains fresh and the sauce doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes instead of cavatelli?
Absolutely! While cavatelli’s texture and size are perfect for holding onto the sauce, you can swap in other smaller, ridged pastas like orecchiette or gnocchetti, which also carry the creamy sauce beautifully.
How spicy is this recipe with Calabrian chili peppers?
The recipe delivers a gentle to moderate spicy kick, but you can easily adjust the amount of Calabrian chili peppers depending on your heat tolerance—from a subtle warmth to a bold, fiery punch.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of Calabrian chili paste?
You sure can, but keep in mind that fresh chilies have a different flavor and moisture content. If substituting, finely chop and sauté the fresh chilies with the shallots for best results, and adjust quantities to taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses wheat-based cavatelli, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free cavatelli or similar pasta shapes at specialty stores to make it work for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this dish vegan?
For a vegan twist, substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and swap parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavors will shift but still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting and exciting about the Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe—it’s a dish that celebrates bold flavors yet remains incredibly approachable and easy to prepare. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy night in or impressing friends at dinner, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it earn a permanent spot on your favorites list!
Print
Creamy Basil and Calabrian Chili Cavatelli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli recipe is a luscious, comforting pasta dish that combines the chewiness of cavatelli with a rich, spicy, and aromatic cream sauce. Featuring the heat from Calabrian chili peppers balanced by fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and finished with parmesan cheese, this quick and easy 25-minute meal delivers bold flavors and a velvety texture you’ll crave every night.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound Cavatelli pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 medium Shallots, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili peppers
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. While waiting, chop shallots, garlic, basil leaves, and oregano so everything is ready for cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Add the cavatelli pasta to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a 12-inch stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt, then add the chopped shallots. Cook for about 2 minutes until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until caramelized and tender, stirring frequently. Season with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the fennel seeds, tomato paste, and Calabrian chili peppers. Cook these together for 1 minute to release their flavors into the mixture.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water. Stir the sauce well to combine all ingredients. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Finish Sauce with Herbs and Cheese: Add chopped fresh oregano and basil to the sauce, season with an additional pinch of salt. Add the drained cavatelli directly to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta. Gradually stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce clings to the pasta. Adjust thickness by increasing the heat to thicken or adding a splash more pasta water if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy cavatelli and finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Optionally, garnish with extra basil leaves and parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of Calabrian chili peppers according to your preferred spice level.
- Using freshly grated parmesan cheese will provide better melt and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread to balance the rich sauce.
