Out of Basil, one case
Basil substitutes for pasta
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Oregano
Same amount as the basil
The best basil substitutes for pasta are Oregano, Thyme, Parsley, and Marjoram. Use 1:1 ratio. For the best flavor, try oregano or thyme, depending on your pasta sauce.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- pasta sauces
One casethe full basil card
Every option, one card
RankedOregano
similar taste and texture
Oregano provides a similar earthy, slightly bitter flavor to basil. Good for pasta sauces, Italian dishes, and Mediterranean cooking where you want a robust herb presence.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, Italian dishes, Mediterranean cooking, when you want earthy flavor, robust herbs
Oregano has a similar earthy flavor to basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in most pasta applications where basil is used.
Thyme
different taste, similar texture
Thyme provides a similar aromatic, slightly minty flavor to basil. Good for pasta sauces, soups, and stews where you want a fragrant herb presence.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, soups, stews, when you want aromatic flavor, fragrant herbs
Thyme has a similar aromatic quality to basil but with a more pronounced minty flavor. It works well in many pasta applications where basil is used.
Parsley
different taste, similar texture
Parsley provides a similar fresh, slightly bitter flavor to basil. Good for pasta sauces, garnishes, and light dishes where you want a fresh herb presence.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, garnishes, light dishes, when you want fresh flavor, mild herbs
Parsley has a similar fresh quality to basil but with a more pronounced bitterness. It works well in many pasta applications where basil is used.
Marjoram
different taste, similar texture
Marjoram provides a similar sweet, slightly minty flavor to basil. Good for pasta sauces, Mediterranean dishes, and light sauces where you want a mild, sweet herb presence.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, Mediterranean dishes, light sauces, when you want sweet flavor, mild herbs
Marjoram has a similar sweet quality to basil but with a more pronounced minty flavor. It works well in many pasta applications where basil is used.
Tarragon
different taste, similar texture
Tarragon provides a similar anise-like, slightly sweet flavor to basil. Good for pasta sauces, French dishes, and creamy sauces where you want a unique, aromatic herb presence.
- Best for
- pasta sauces, French dishes, creamy sauces, when you want anise flavor, aromatic herbs
Tarragon has a similar aromatic quality to basil but with a more pronounced anise flavor. It works well in many pasta applications where basil is used.
How it behaves in this recipe
Basil is commonly used in pasta for its flavor and aroma. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar aromatic qualities and can be used in the same applications, though they may offer different flavor profiles that can enhance or change the character of your pasta dishes.
Tips for substituting basil
5 tips- For pasta, basil provides flavor and aroma, so choose substitutes that offer similar properties
- When substituting in pasta sauces, oregano or thyme work well as substitutes for basil
- For Italian pasta dishes, oregano provides the most similar flavor to basil
- In Mediterranean pasta dishes, marjoram or thyme work well as substitutes for basil
- For the best results, consider the flavor profile of your pasta sauce when choosing a substitute
Notes on basil
- For a completely different approach, try using other herbs like sage or rosemary
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different herbs to achieve a similar flavor profile
- For pasta, consider using other aromatic herbs like bay leaves or fennel seeds
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for basil in pasta?
Oregano, thyme, and parsley work well as substitutes for basil in pasta. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider the flavor profile of your pasta sauce when choosing.
Can I use oregano instead of basil in pasta?
Yes, oregano can substitute for basil in pasta using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar earthy flavor, making it good for Italian pasta dishes and Mediterranean cooking.
What's the difference between basil and oregano in pasta?
Basil has a sweet, slightly minty flavor, while oregano has a more earthy, slightly bitter flavor. Both work well in pasta, but oregano is more robust.
Can I substitute thyme for basil in pasta?
Yes, thyme can substitute for basil in pasta using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar aromatic quality, though it has a more pronounced minty flavor.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting for basil in pasta?
Generally no, but consider that different herbs may have different flavors. You may want to adjust other ingredients in your pasta recipe if using different substitutes.