Oodles of Noodles Herbed Variation

Elevate your pasta night with this bright and aromatic "Oodles of Noodles Herbed Variation," a quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. Featuring al dente spaghetti (or your favorite noodle variety) tossed in a garlicky olive oil base, this recipe bursts with the fresh flavors of parsley, basil, and thyme. A hint of lemon zest and a squeeze of juice add a zesty twist that beautifully complements the savory notes, while optional Parmesan cheese lends a creamy, indulgent touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe shines with its simplicity and the versatility to customize—making it a must-try for herb lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. Serve it warm with a wedge of lemon or extra fresh herbs for a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy presentation.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 250 grams spaghetti (or your favorite noodles)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 liter water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 1 liter of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 2

Add the spaghetti (or noodles of choice) to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).

Step 3

While the noodles cook, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Once the noodles are cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest.

Step 6

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to coat the noodles evenly in the olive oil and garlic.

Step 7

Stir in the fresh parsley, basil, thyme, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly to distribute the herbs evenly.

Step 8

Pour the reserved pasta water and lemon juice over the noodles, stirring until the sauce lightly coats the noodles.

Step 9

Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt to taste.

Step 10

If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles and toss lightly to combine.

Step 11

Remove the skillet from heat and serve the noodles warm, garnished with extra herbs or a wedge of lemon if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1362.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	839.4

Total Fat 47.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 8mg	0%
Sodium 2551.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g	0%
Total Sugars 2.5g
Protein 19.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 251.4mg	0%
Iron 3.7mg	0%
Potassium 274.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.9%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 39.8%