Lemon Pesto Pasta
Bright, zesty, and absolutely irresistible, this Lemon Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 25 minutes! Perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine is tossed in a vibrant sauce made with fragrant basil pesto, fresh lemon juice, and punchy lemon zest, creating the ultimate balance of creamy and citrusy notes. Bursting with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender baby spinach, this pasta recipe is a wholesome, one-pan wonder that feels both light and indulgent. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and an optional garnish of fresh basil, it’s the ideal weeknight meal that’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough for entertaining. Whether you’re a pesto lover or a fan of quick pasta recipes, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil pesto, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until combined.
Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and toss until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat once everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
529 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.9 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 25 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 946 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.4 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 17.9 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 367 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 326 mg | 7% | |
*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.
