Description
Creamy Basil & Calabrian Chili Cavatelli is a delicious blend of creaminess and spice, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Cavatelli pasta
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 medium Shallots
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili peppers
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- to taste Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. While you wait, chop all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
- Drop the cavatelli into the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the package’s instructions state, until al dente.
- Meanwhile, heat a 12” stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the shallots. Cook for about 2 minutes before adding the garlic, cooking for another minute until caramelized and tender, stirring often. Season with a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Stir in the fennel seeds, tomato paste, and Calabrian chili peppers; cook for another minute. Pour in the heavy cream and retrieve ½ cup of starchy pasta water. Add it to the sauce and stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about a minute.
- Add the fresh oregano and basil to the sauce, seasoning with another pinch of salt. Then, drain the pasta, add it directly to the sauce, and mix to combine. Gradually stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts and hugs the pasta. If the sauce is too loose, raise the heat and stir to thicken; if too thick, add a splash more pasta water.
- Plate the creamy cavatelli and finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top. Optional: Sprinkle with extra basil leaves and parmesan for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Creamy Basil Calabrian Chili, Cavatelli, Pasta Recipe, Italian Cuisine