Basil Pasta

Recipes Using Sweet Basil

Ingredients
• 200g penne pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• (Optional) Grated Parmigiano cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the penne for 1 minute less than the package instructions.
Drain the pasta, toss lightly with 1 tbsp of olive oil, and set aside.

2. Make the sauce
In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over low heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

3. Add pasta and basil
Add the cooked penne to the pan and stir-fry briefly.
Turn off the heat, then add the basil leaves and toss using the residual heat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve and plate
Transfer to a plate and, if desired, sprinkle grated Parmigiano cheese on top for added flavor.

TIP

Avoid overcooking basil—its aroma fades with prolonged heat. Add it at the very end after turning off the heat.
For a richer flavor, try adding freshly grown herbs like oregano or thyme along with the basil.