October 9, 2026
Sweet Basil was in business for around 28-years in Wichita. And during a chunk of that time, Diem Phan was a partner and chef there. Until 2014 when she sold her interest in the partnership.
Then in 2019, right around the time the remaining owner Charli Singh closed Sweet Basil, she opened up Pasta Express in southeastern Wichita at 4100 E. Harry St. Ms. Phan not only brought staff with her from Sweet Basil, including line cooks, but she also brought along many of the recipes.
For those that do not know, Pasta Express is a “fast-casual,” spot meaning that your order up front and then all the food comes in to-go containers regardless of whether you dine in or carryout.
The menu includes four different types of pastas — fettuccine, spaghetti, angel hair and penne. It also has manicotti and a bunch of other stuff including that meat sauce you can see on the penne with meatballs. Also in the photos is the ravioli with chicken and a side order of the sausage. Each meal (penne with meatballs and ravioli with chicken) includes two breadsticks. By the way, the pricing is fantastic. As is the sausage. Big fan of the sausage and the meat sauce.
In my opinion, this place is more “American-Italian.” And I’m here for it.
— TKG
