Lemon Basil Pasta
Brighten up your dinner routine with this vibrant Lemon Basil Pasta—a perfect blend of zesty citrus, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan sauce. This quick and easy recipe features tender spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a luscious lemon cream sauce with a hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Finished with fragrant lemon zest and fresh basil, this dish is a celebration of fresh, summery flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknight meals or casual entertaining, Lemon Basil Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy this restaurant-quality pasta dish at home, bursting with bright, aromatic ingredients that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 whole lemon
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, zest both lemons and set the zest aside. Then, juice the lemons and strain out any seeds.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Stir until the butter melts and combines with the olive oil.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the lemon juice, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the lemon zest and fresh basil leaves, reserving some basil for garnish.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
559 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.9 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.9 g | 105% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 97 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 912 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.9 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 14.9 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 198 mg | 4% | |
*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.
