Spaghetti with Basil Cream Sauce
Transform your pasta night with this irresistible Spaghetti with Basil Cream Sauce—a luscious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant basil flavor. This recipe combines al dente spaghetti with a silky sauce made from fresh basil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a dish that's equal parts indulgent and refreshing. The sauce comes together effortlessly in just 20 minutes, with a fragrant garlic and butter base that’s elevated by the bright, herbaceous basil paste. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner occasion, this recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying. Serve it with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and watch it quickly become a household favorite. Keywords: basil cream sauce, spaghetti recipe, Parmesan, quick pasta dinner, creamy basil pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves and olive oil. Blend until the basil forms a smooth paste. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
Add the prepared basil paste and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the noodles in the basil cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.8 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.2 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 125 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 616 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 14.0 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 271 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 161 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
