Lemon and Tomato Pasta
Brighten up your dinner table with this zesty and refreshing Lemon and Tomato Pasta—a quick, 30-minute meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors! Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a light, garlic-infused olive oil sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic lemon zest, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this dish is a perfect blend of tangy and savory. Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese elevate every bite, while the reserved pasta water ensures a luxuriously silky sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this vibrant pasta recipe is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for the ultimate comfort food experience! Keywords: lemon and tomato pasta, quick pasta recipe, Mediterranean pasta, easy weeknight dinner, fresh basil pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired. Enjoy your Lemon and Tomato Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1180 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.2 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3064 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.1 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.3 g | ||
| Protein | 40.9 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 611 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1133 mg | 24% | |
*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.
