Lemon Basil Spaghetti (23 Minutes)

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This lemon basil spaghetti is a light, refreshing pasta dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy bright, zesty flavors.

This dish highlights the simplicity of fresh ingredients, combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and aromatic basil with spaghetti, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. It’s an ideal meal for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish.

This pasta dish not only offers a delightful taste but also a pleasant aromatic experience, making it a favorite whenever you crave something light and flavorful.

  • Prep Time: 13 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Spaghetti (10 minutes): Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare Lemon-Olive Oil Mixture (5 minutes): In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Toss Pasta with Lemon-Olive Oil (2 minutes): Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot. Over low heat, add the lemon-olive oil mixture to the spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help emulsify the sauce.
  4. Add Basil and Parmesan (3 minutes): Stir in the chopped basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the basil is wilted and the cheese is melted into the pasta.
  5. Serve (2 minutes): Plate the lemon basil spaghetti. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
  6. Enjoy (1 minute): Serve the pasta immediately, savoring the fresh and tangy flavors.

Notes

This dish is all about the freshness of the ingredients. Using high-quality olive oil, fresh lemons, and basil will greatly enhance the flavors.

The lemon zest brings a vibrant citrus aroma to the dish, while the Parmesan cheese adds a subtle savory depth. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be rejuvenated with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It’s a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to please.

Serve with a side of crusty bread and a simple salad for a quick and delicious meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Boule Loaf

Grab 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (or 2 ¼ tsp) of active dry yeast, about 1 ½ cups warm water, and 1 ½ tsp salt. Dissolve that yeast in warm water and let it sit until it's foamy, around 5 minutes. Now, mix in the flour and salt, get your hands dirty, and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise in a cozy spot until it's doubled in size, about an hour. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape your dough into a ball and score the top with an "X" or design of your choosing. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool and enjoy the magic of homemade bread.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

Roasted Asparagus with Sea Salt

Start by preheating your oven. Take fresh asparagus spears, snap off the tough ends, and lay them out on a baking sheet. A little drizzle of olive oil goes a long way in giving them a lovely coat. Now, for the pièce de résistance, sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the top. It not only elevates the flavor but also gives a delightful crunch. Pop them in the oven and roast until they're tender yet crisp, with hints of golden brown at the tips. The result? A dish that's vibrant in color, rich in flavor, and just a touch fancy.

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