Herb Garden Pasta
Experience the ultimate celebration of freshness with Herb Garden Pasta, a vibrant dish bursting with the flavors of basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano. This quick and easy recipe features perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a light, aromatic sauce made with garlic-infused olive oil, zesty lemon, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes offers optional heat, making it customizable for every palate. Ready in just 25 minutes, this herbaceous pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet treat. Serve it with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread, and let the symphony of flavors transport you to an Italian countryside. Perfect for lovers of fresh herbs and simple yet sophisticated meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the chopped basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to release the aroma of the herbs.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat it with the herb mixture. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.
Sprinkle the lemon zest and drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta. Toss well to combine.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to evenly distribute it throughout the pasta.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, if desired, for a hint of spice.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1216 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.5 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3244 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.8 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 46.1 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1062 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 1898 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
