Basil Cream Pasta

A Delectable Blend of Flavors. Our Basil Cream Pasta recipe brings together the rich flavors of seared pancetta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil cream to create a dish that will leave your taste buds singing. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of crafting this mouthwatering dish step by step, ensuring you savor every bite of your homemade Basil Cream Pasta.

To create the perfect Basil Cream Pasta, gather these essential ingredients:

12 ounces of rigatoni pasta
4 ounces of pancetta, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup of fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cup of grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino Romano)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Crafting Your Basil Cream Pasta:

Seared Pancetta and Aromatics: Begin by heating a pan over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and let it sear until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This step is the foundation of the incredible depth of flavor in our Basil Cream Pasta.

Cherry Tomatoes and Magic Unfold: Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their sweet juices. The combination of garlic, shallot, and tomatoes is where the magic of Basil Cream Pasta starts to take shape.

Blending the Basil Cream: While your pancetta, garlic, shallot, and tomatoes are simmering to perfection, it's time to create the star of the show: the basil cream. In a blender, combine a cup of fresh basil leaves, two tablespoons of olive oil, a splash of water, and a quarter cup of grated cheese. Blend until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green basil cream.

Incorporating the Basil Cream: Gently pour the basil cream into the pan with the simmering tomato mixture. Stir it in, allowing the rich, basil-infused cream to harmonize with the savory pancetta and sweet cherry tomatoes. The aroma at this stage is irresistible, and you can begin to see why Basil Cream Pasta is a true culinary masterpiece.

Cooking Pasta in the Basil Cream Sauce: As the Basil Cream Pasta sauce simmers to perfection, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Just before draining the pasta, save a cup of pasta water, as it will help to further enrich and emulsify your Basil Cream Pasta.

Marrying Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked rigatoni directly into the pan with the basil cream sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb the incredible flavors. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve: Once the pasta is perfectly coated in the luscious basil cream sauce, it's time to serve. Plate your Basil Cream Pasta, and garnish with sliced basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese. Your masterpiece is ready to be enjoyed.