Fresh Lemon Basil Pasta
A quick, refreshing pasta dish with bright lemon, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Light yet flavorful, this recipe is perfect for busy nights, customizable with proteins like chicken or shrimp, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot – for boiling pasta
- 1 medium saucepan (for sauce)
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta your choice, such as spaghetti or fettuccine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup fresh basil thinly sliced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: red pepper flakes grilled chicken, shrimp, scallops, or tofu
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta for Cooking: Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough room for the pasta to move freely. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water—it should taste slightly salty, like the sea. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente—tender but with a slight bite in the center. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain Pasta Carefully: Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, reserve a small cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the rest using a colander. Keeping some pasta water aside is important, as it can be added later to adjust the sauce consistency. Gently shake the colander to remove excess water but avoid over-draining, which can dry out the pasta.
- Melt Butter and Infuse Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, place a medium saucepan over medium heat.Add the butter and allow it to melt slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant and golden, releasing a rich, aromatic flavor that will become the base of your sauce. Keep the heat moderate to avoid browning the garlic too quickly, which can create a bitter taste.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice and Wine: Lower the heat to medium-low. Carefully pour in the fresh lemon juice and white wine. Stir gently to combine, allowing the mixture to warm and slightly reduce for 1–2 minutes. This step enhances the tangy brightness and adds depth from the wine. If desired, you can let it simmer slightly longer for a more concentrated flavor, but do not boil aggressively.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the saucepan with the butter, garlic, lemon, and wine mixture. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring each strand is coated evenly with the zesty, buttery sauce.If the sauce feels too thick or the pasta seems dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time until you reach a silky, smooth texture.
- Add Fresh Basil and Parmesan: Remove the saucepan from heat and sprinkle the sliced fresh basil over the pasta. Toss gently to distribute the herb throughout the dish, releasing its aromatic flavor. Immediately add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fold it in, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm pasta for a creamy, savory touch. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Optional Protein Additions: For a more substantial meal, you can add your choice of protein at this stage. Sliced grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, seared scallops, or grilled tofu can all be gently folded into the pasta. These proteins complement the fresh lemon-basil flavor while providing extra nutrients and making the dish more filling.
- Serve Immediately for Best Flavor: Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. For a touch of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top. Serve while warm to fully enjoy the buttery, citrusy, and aromatic flavors at their peak.
- Storage Tips (Optional for Later): If you need to store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or extra lemon juice to revive the sauce. Top with fresh basil and Parmesan before serving to maintain flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for bright, zesty flavor.
- Slice fresh basil thinly and add at the end to preserve aroma and color.
- Cook pasta to al dente for perfect texture.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Adjust garlic, butter, and seasoning to taste.
- Optional: add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, scallops, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan when serving.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to prevent a mushy dish.