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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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)
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves and olive oil. Blend until the basil forms a smooth paste. Set aside.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (863.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2410.9 |
| Total Fat 185.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 104.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 502mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2666.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 108.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.2g | |
| Protein 53.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 986.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 319.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories