Description
Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon and aromatic basil in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to impressing guests—this pasta is quick to prepare and will leave everyone asking for more. With its simple ingredients and customizable options, this recipe guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add zesty flavors: Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Finish: Mix in chopped basil and Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve immediately with extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk. To add protein, consider grilled chicken or shrimp. Customize with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.