The software that comes with PICKIT 1 only imports or exports a pre compiled hex file. So you will need MPLAB, but remember the PICKIT 1 will only work for a few chips (8 and 14 pins) so you may want to look at the PICKIT 2.

Here is a link to instructions to set PIC BASIC up with MPLAB.
http://www.melabs.com/support/mplab.htm

I agree with mister_e, get the PRO version of PIC BASIC if you can.