Fresh Lemon-Basil Spaghetti
A quick and easy pasta dish featuring the bright flavors of fresh lemon and basil, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, grilled chicken, or shrimp
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, zest and juice the lemons into a large mixing bowl. You’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest.
- Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl with the lemon juice and zest. Whisk until combined to create the base of your sauce.
- Chop the basil leaves into thin strips (chiffonade works beautifully here). Set aside.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, transfer it directly into the mixing bowl with the sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta until it’s evenly coated.
- If the pasta seems dry, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. This will help the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Fold in the chopped basil and most of the grated Parmesan, reserving a small amount for garnish.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large platter. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves on top. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the burst of fresh, zesty flavors!
Notes
[‘Save some pasta water before draining—it helps create a silky sauce.’, ‘Use fresh basil and lemons for the best flavor.’, ‘Cook spaghetti al dente for optimal texture.’, ‘Grate fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.’, ‘Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of spaghetti
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: lemon basil spaghetti, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, healthy pasta, vegetarian pasta, summer recipe