Summer Pasta Quick
Bright, fresh, and ready in just 25 minutes, "Summer Pasta Quick" is the ultimate go-to recipe for an effortless yet flavorful weeknight meal. This vibrant dish pairs al dente spaghetti with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a zesty lemon and garlic-infused olive oil dressing, creating a light and refreshing pasta perfect for warm weather. Tossed together with grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of optional red chili flakes for added depth, this easy summer pasta recipe strikes the ideal balance between tangy, savory, and slightly spicy. Perfect for dinner in a pinch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and captures the essence of seasonal simplicity. Serve it as a standalone entrée or alongside a crisp salad for the ultimate summer dining experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes
- 15 grams fresh basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic clove
- 50 grams parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the spaghetti cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside. Finely chop the garlic clove and freshly grate the parmesan cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the dressing. Toss gently to coat and allow the flavors to meld while the pasta finishes cooking.
Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, immediately add it to the mixing bowl with the tomato and basil mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently fold it in until evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
698 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.6 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 323 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 17.1 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 483 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 123 mg | 3% | |
*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.
