basil sauce pasta recipe

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The Best basil sauce pasta recipe

I’ve been making this basil sauce pasta recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make and always impresses my family and friends. The key to this recipe is using fresh basil, which gives the sauce a bright, herbaceous flavor that’s hard to replicate with dried herbs.

I like to use a mix of sweet and regular basil for a more complex flavor profile. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday or birthday party. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this sauce from scratch – they get to wash the basil leaves and stir the sauce as it simmers.

The end result is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side. This recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and it’s amazing how something so simple can be so flavorful and satisfying.

I’ve experimented with different types of pasta over the years, but I find that pappardelle or fettuccine work best with this sauce. Of course, you can also use spaghetti or linguine if you prefer a more classic look. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable – feel free to add your favorite protein like chicken or shrimp, or throw in some cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.

I’ve even used leftover sauce as a dip for vegetables or pita chips – talk about versatile! As an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy considering it’s made with fresh herbs and olive oil. My family loves when we have pasta night because it means we get to enjoy this delicious sauce together as a family.

I hope you enjoy making and devouring this basil sauce pasta recipe as much as we do!

4.6 from 1644 votes

This recipe is a delicious pasta dish with a rich and flavorful basil sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup water

For the Sauce

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 cloves garlic

1 medium onion

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup tomato sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

2Gradually add water while mixing until a dough forms.

3Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

5Then, roll out the dough using a pasta machine or a rolling pin until it is thin.

6Cut the dough into your desired pasta shapes.

7Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

8Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

9Drain and set aside.

10While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the onion using a sharp knife.

11In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

12Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

13Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

14In a blender, combine basil leaves, heavy cream, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper.

15Blend until smooth.

16Pour the sauce into the saucepan with the onion and garlic.

17Stir well to combine.

18Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

19The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.

20Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the basil sauce.

21Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.

22If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

23Cook the pasta and sauce together for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.

24The pasta should be well coated and the sauce should be heated through.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl

Saucepan

Pasta pot

Wooden spoon

Blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

This basil sauce pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event like a holiday or birthday party. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – feel free to add your favorite protein or vegetables to make it your own.

My family loves helping me make this dish from scratch because we get to enjoy quality time together while creating something delicious. When storing leftover sauce, just be sure to keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours of cooking.

Reheating leftover pasta can be done by steaming it gently until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basil Sauce Pasta

Q: What type of pasta works best with this basil sauce?

The longer shapes like pappardelle or fettuccine work best because they hold onto the sauce nicely, but you can also use spaghetti or linguine if you prefer a more classic look.

Q: Can I add protein to this recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite protein like chicken or shrimp, but keep in mind that it will change the cooking time slightly.

Q: How long does the sauce take to make?

The sauce is ready in about 30 minutes – just make sure to simmer it long enough for the flavors to meld together.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

No, using dried herbs will not give you the same depth of flavor as fresh basil.

Q: What if I don’t have any olive oil?

You can substitute other neutral-tasting oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand.

basil sauce pasta recipe

The Best basil sauce pasta recipe