Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:
- 12 ounces of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra richness)
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes (for added spice)
Ingredient Highlights for Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Pasta: Choose your favorite type of pasta for this dish. Thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine works best because it allows the sauce to coat the noodles evenly. You can also use whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-specific option.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used in this recipe to allow you to control the salt level, and it gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to the dish’s flavor. The garlic is sautéed in the butter to create an aromatic base for the sauce. Make sure to use fresh garlic, as pre-minced or dried garlic won’t have the same vibrant taste.
- Lemon: The zest and juice of lemon bring a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. It balances the richness of the butter and enhances the overall flavor profile with its bright, citrusy notes.
- Basil: Fresh basil is a must for this dish. It provides a burst of herbal flavor and complements the richness of the butter and the zing from the lemon.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, as it melts into the sauce beautifully. You can add more cheese to taste and use it as a garnish for extra richness.
- Olive Oil (optional): If you want to add a bit more richness to the sauce, you can include olive oil, which will also contribute to the depth of flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 9-11 minutes for spaghetti or linguine. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce and bind it to the noodles.
- Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it, but be sure to set aside the reserved pasta water for later.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt slowly. If you prefer a richer sauce, add the optional tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic; you just want it to soften and release its aroma.
- Add the Lemon: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. The citrusy zest will add a wonderful, aromatic fragrance, while the juice adds brightness and acidity to the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, making sure the noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Add Basil and Parmesan: Once the pasta is coated with the sauce, stir in the fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue tossing until the basil wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Pasta: Transfer the pasta to individual serving bowls or plates. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce immediately, while it’s hot and fresh. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400-450
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g