35 Basil Pasta Recipes
Basil transforms pasta from ordinary to extraordinary, and these 35 recipes prove there’s so much more to explore than just pesto. From creamy sauces to fresh summer preparations, you’ll find your new favorite way to use this fragrant herb.
1. Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Source: justataste.com
The timeless version that started it all—raw basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan blended into vibrant green sauce. One bite and you’ll understand why this combination has endured for centuries.
2. Creamy Basil Tomato Sauce
Source: modernfarmhouseeats.com
Sun-ripened tomatoes meet fresh basil in a luxurious cream sauce that clings perfectly to every strand. The cream mellows the acidity while basil adds brightness that keeps it from feeling heavy.
3. Garlic Basil Butter Pasta
Source: cooking.nytimes.com
Silky, simple, and ready in minutes—melted butter infused with garlic and torn basil is all you need. The key is using quality butter and adding pasta water to create an emulsified coating.
4. Basil Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Source: saratogaoliveoil.com
Creamy ricotta dollops melt into warm pasta with fresh lemon zest and basil for brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brings all the flavors into focus.
5. Cherry Tomato Basil Linguine
Source: realsimple.com
Sweet bursts of halved cherry tomatoes and generous basil leaves create a naturally light sauce. The tomatoes break down just enough to coat the linguine without any cream needed.
6. Basil Pine Nut Fettuccine
Source: girlwiththeironcast.com
Toasted pine nuts add subtle richness and crunch to basil-dressed fettuccine with Parmesan. The wider noodles give you more surface area for catching those nutty pieces.
7. Fresh Mozzarella Basil Pasta
Source: mytherapistcooks.com
Warm pasta melts creamy fresh mozzarella balls finished with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s like a Caprese salad transformed into a complete main course.
8. Basil Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Source: foxandbriar.com
Plump shrimp seared until golden, then tossed with basil-infused olive oil and garlic over tender pasta. White wine and lemon juice brighten the seafood without overwhelming the basil.
9. Walnut Basil Sauce Pasta
Source: eatwellwithsari.com
A pesto variation using walnuts instead of pine nuts—earthier and more budget-friendly without sacrificing depth. Walnuts bring a slightly bitter note that plays beautifully with basil’s sweetness.
10. Basil Cream Chicken Pasta
Source: wendisaipkitchen.com
Tender chicken breast strips nestle into silky basil cream sauce with just a hint of garlic. Fresh basil stirred in at the end preserves its bright flavor and vibrant color.
11. Roasted Vegetable Basil Pasta
Source: oliveandmango.com
Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant get tossed with basil and pasta for a vegetable-forward dish. The charred edges add caramelized depth while basil keeps everything fresh.
12. Basil Anchovy Pasta
Source: dishingupthedirt.com
Umami-rich anchovies melt into olive oil with garlic and basil for a bracing, sophisticated sauce. Don’t skip the anchovies—they add depth that no one will be able to identify.
13. Beet Basil Pasta with Goat Cheese
Source: jocooks.com
Roasted beets create a naturally sweet, earthy sauce finished with tangy goat cheese and fresh basil. The earthiness of beets contrasts beautifully with basil’s anise-like notes.
14. Basil Olive Tapenade Pasta
Source: cearaskitchen.com
Briny Kalamata olives and fresh basil combine into a punchy sauce that requires no cooking. Toss with hot pasta and watch the olives release their savory oils.
15. Eggplant Basil Parmesan Pasta
Source: cooking.nytimes.com
Crispy eggplant rounds tossed with basil, marinara, and Parmesan create comfort food with an herbaceous twist. The eggplant soaks up the basil flavor while staying wonderfully tender.
16. Basil Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Source: gimmesomeoven.com
Intense sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in olive oil meet fresh basil for a sweet-savory sauce. The concentrated tomato flavor means you need less sauce to coat your pasta.
17. Zucchini Basil Noodle Bowl
Source: halfbakedharvest.com
Spiralized zucchini tossed with fresh basil, garlic, and a light olive oil dressing creates a summery, vegetable-packed meal. It’s best served slightly warm with Parmesan shavings.
18. Basil Vodka Cream Pasta
Source: tastesbetterfromscratch.com
A sophisticated twist on vodka sauce—the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle warmth that complements fresh basil. Tomato and cream combine into a luxurious pink sauce.
19. White Bean Basil Pasta
Source: evergreenkitchen.ca
Creamy white beans puree into a luscious sauce when tossed with pasta, garlic, and plenty of fresh basil. High in protein and fiber while still feeling indulgent and light.
20. Basil Almond Noodles
Source: itslivb.com
Ground almonds create a velvety, rich sauce finished with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon. This naturally dairy-free option is surprisingly decadent and nutty.
21. Caprese Pasta Salad
Source: loveandlemons.com
Cooled pasta with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar makes a perfect warm-weather main. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
22. Basil Peppercorn Cream Sauce
Source: theburntbuttertable.com
Cracked black pepper adds subtle heat that plays nicely with sweet basil in a cream-based sauce. The pepper gives you a gentle warming sensation without overwhelming the delicate herb.
23. Spinach Basil Pasta with Pine Nuts
Source: allrecipes.com
Wilted spinach and fresh basil create a verdant sauce that feels both light and satisfying when toasted pine nuts add crunch. Iron-rich and delicious in every bite.
24. Basil Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
Source: simplyrecipes.com
Earthy sautéed mushrooms in a sour cream-based sauce gain brightness from torn fresh basil leaves. The tanginess of sour cream balances the deep umami of the mushrooms perfectly.
25. Corn Basil Pasta with Lime
Source: cooking.nytimes.com
Sweet corn kernels and fresh basil with lime juice create a bright, summery pasta that’s naturally vegan. The corn’s sweetness pairs unexpectedly well with basil’s peppery notes.
26. Basil Feta Orzo
Source: halfbakedharvest.com
Crumbly feta cheese dissolves partially into warm orzo tossed with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes. The smaller pasta shape means more surface area for the herby sauce.
27. Grilled Chicken Basil Penne
Source: karylskulinarykrusade.com
Charred grilled chicken gets sliced and tossed with basil pesto and warm penne for a restaurant-quality dinner. The grill marks add visual appeal and smoky depth.
28. Basil Broccoli Raab Pasta
Source: pinchandswirl.com
Slightly bitter broccoli raab gets balanced by sweet, herbaceous basil in a garlicky olive oil sauce. The leafy greens cling beautifully to long pasta strands.
29. Roasted Garlic Basil Spread Pasta
Source: honeyandbirch.com
Entire heads of roasted garlic become sweet and mellow, then combined with fresh basil and pasta water into a silky coating. The transformation of raw garlic to sweet mush is almost magical.
30. Basil Pesto Ravioli with Brown Butter
Source: qbcucina.com
Store-bought ravioli gets elevated with homemade basil pesto and nutty brown butter sauce. The nuttiness of brown butter echoes the pine nuts in traditional pesto.
31. Tomato Basil Orzo Soup Pasta
Source: howsweeteats.com
A hybrid between pasta and soup—creamy tomato broth with orzo and fresh basil creates comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough for any season.
32. Basil Ricotta Manicotti
Source: delicious.com.au
Tender manicotti tubes stuff with herbed ricotta and basil, then bake in marinara sauce until bubbly. Make-ahead friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
33. Peach Basil Pasta with Prosciutto
Source: enrootkitchen.com
Sweet summer peaches create an unexpected sauce when tossed with basil and salty prosciutto over pasta. The fruit-herb-meat combination feels sophisticated and slightly sweet.
34. Basil Cashew Cream Pasta
Source: food52.com
Soaked and blended cashews create a naturally creamy sauce that’s completely dairy-free when finished with basil. Smooth, rich, and surprisingly satisfying without any cream.
35. Crab Basil Angel Hair Pasta
Source: sanremo.co.nz
Delicate lump crab meat tossed with thin angel hair, fresh basil, and a kiss of garlic creates elegant simplicity. The tender pasta allows the sweet crab to shine.
