Pasta with Basil and Lemon
Brighten up your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistibly fresh Pasta with Basil and Lemon! This simple yet elegant recipe combines tender spaghetti or linguine with a zesty, herbaceous sauce made from fresh basil, fragrant lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice. Tossed with grated Parmesan cheese and enhanced by a subtle garlicky base, this dish is light, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes. Optional toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while a hint of freshly ground black pepper ties everything together. Perfect for a quick family meal or a dinner party centerpiece, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta is best served warm with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and basil for a touch of decadence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti or linguine
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 cup Pasta water
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts (optional, toasted)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Lower the heat and add the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to evenly mix. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
If using, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the dish for added texture and flavor.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1462 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.8 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.4 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 3728 mg | 162% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 117.1 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 56.9 g | 114% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 968 mg | 74% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 476 mg | 10% | |
*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.
