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Home » Recipe Collections

You’ll Want These 18 Recipes Before Your Basil Says Goodbye

Published: Jul 26, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Basil doesn't last forever, so now’s the time to put it to good use. These recipes are all about simple, bold flavors that actually taste like something—and they’re the kind of thing you’ll want to make again. Nothing fancy or fussy, just really great food that’s perfect for squeezing the most out of what’s left of basil season.

A picture of pasta with basil cream sauce in a bowl and forks.
Basil Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie

One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

An overview of a bowl of tomato basil pasta.
One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-skillet tomato basil pasta (aka "Meghan Markle pasta") with cream, spinach, and Parmesan—simple, rich, and ready in 30 minutes for a low-effort, big-flavor dinner.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

Basil Aioli

An image of creamy basil aioli in a bowl, garnished with a fresh basil leaf.
Basil Aioli. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This garlic and lemon basil aioli comes together quickly and works well as a dip or sandwich spread. Basil adds a fresh, sharp note that balances the richness of the base.
Get the Recipe: Basil Aioli

Basil Pesto

A close up image of basil pesto in a bowl.
Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pesto alla Genovese uses just six ingredients and can be stirred into pasta, used as a dip, or spread on bread. The basil is front and center, bringing brightness and a green finish.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto

Basil and Mint Squash Noodles

Close-up of basil and mint squash noodles.
Basil and Mint Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Basil and mint squash noodles are quick to prepare and work well as a light main or side. Basil brings in a clean, fresh note that fits especially well with the squash.
Get the Recipe: Basil and Mint Squash Noodles

Basil Cream Sauce

An overhead view of basil cream sauce in a bowl.
Basil Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This basil cream sauce comes together in about 15 minutes and pairs well with pasta. The basil adds a fresh contrast that keeps the sauce from feeling too dense.
Get the Recipe: Basil Cream Sauce

Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

An image of Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers.
Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Thai basil chicken skewers are quick to prep and work well for grilling. The basil adds a bold contrast that balances the heat and rounds out the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Skewers

Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil

A close-up image of a plate full of Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil and a golden fork.
Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Yellow wax beans sautéed with garlic and basil make a quick side dish with familiar ingredients. Basil adds freshness that pairs especially well with the beans’ mild taste.
Get the Recipe: Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of tomato soup with basil and tomatoes.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Roasted tomato basil soup simmers quickly and works for lunch or dinner. Basil ties the ingredients together and cuts through the richness of the tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Brown Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Basil Corn Orzo

Overhead view of two bowls of brown butter shrimp with parmesan basil corn orzo, with two glasses of wine and a wine bottle in the background.
Brown Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Basil Corn Orzo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brown butter shrimp over parmesan basil corn orzo is rich but fast to prepare. Basil keeps the orzo balanced and brightens the creamy base.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Basil Corn Orzo

Thai Basil Pork

A bowl of rice topped with a fried egg and Thai Basil Pork – Pad Kra Pao.
Thai Basil Pork. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Thai Basil Pork is ready in a short time and brings a mix of sweet, heat, and depth. The basil cuts through the sauce and adds a clean finish that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Pork

Orange Basil Ricotta Pancakes

A plate of stacked orange basil ricotta pancakes with syrup pouring onto it.
Orange Basil Ricotta Pancakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Orange basil ricotta pancakes are soft and ready in a short time. Basil cuts through the richness and adds a fresh note that makes them suitable for breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Orange Basil Ricotta Pancakes

Basil Mayonnaise

A top-down view of a small bowl filled with basil mayonnaise on a blue plate.
Basil Mayonnaise. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This basil mayonnaise uses just two ingredients and takes minutes to make. It’s a straightforward way to highlight the freshness of basil in sandwiches or wraps.
Get the Recipe: Basil Mayonnaise

Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles

An overview of two bowls of Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles.
Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Eggplant noodles with tomato basil sauce and parmesan come together as a lighter, well-rounded meal. Basil adds a seasonal note that makes the dish feel fresh.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Eggplant Noodles

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Tomato basil gnocchi is hearty but easy to make for a weeknight dinner. Basil keeps the tomato sauce light enough so the dish doesn’t feel too dense.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables

Two plates of Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables.
Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled bay scallops with zucchini, corn, and tomatoes are finished with a garlic basil butter. The basil helps tie the seafood and vegetables together with a fresh layer of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables

Creamy Basil Vinaigrette

An overview of Creamy Basil Vinaigrette.
Creamy Basil Vinaigrette. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This basil vinaigrette uses pantry staples and works with vegetables, grains, or salads. The basil brings a direct, herb-forward flavor that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Basil Vinaigrette

Basil Fried Rice

Top view of Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet with a spoon.
Basil Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Basil fried rice is fast, adaptable, and fits easily into weeknight dinners. The basil brings a fragrant, fresh edge that sets it apart from more basic versions.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made in one pan, this cashew chicken skillet is quick to prepare and full of flavor. Basil blends into the sauce to lift the dish and keep the savory notes from overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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