One of the many reasons I love this recipe is because it is a true embodiment of the phrase ‘less is more.’ With just a handful of ingredients, most of which could be found in your kitchen garden or pantry, this Lemon Basil Pasta is purely magical. The freshness of basil, the zesty punch from the lemons, and the perfectly cooked pasta together create a delectable dish that will have your taste buds dancing in no time.
If you’re in need of a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dinner idea, or perhaps you’re planning a cozy lunch date with your loved ones, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Not only is it light and refreshing, but it’s also incredibly versatile and vegetarian-friendly.
How to make Lemon basil pasta
Lemon basil pasta is a pasta dish infused with the flavors of lemon and basil. It typically consists of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, tossed with a sauce made from olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh basil leaves. Sometimes, additional ingredients like Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, or pine nuts are added for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- Zest of one whole Lemon
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan Cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Remember, it should be firm to bite.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a pan over medium heat.
- Once the garlic is slightly browned and the mixture is aromatic – be careful not to burn the garlic – remove the pan from the heat.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.
- Toss the pasta in the pan with the lemon and olive oil mixture. Add the basil and mix well. If the pasta looks dry or sticky, slowly add the reserved pasta water.
- Season with salt and Pepper according to your preference, and give it one last toss to combine everything evenly.
- Serve the pasta warm, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Using fresh basil is key. Dried basil simply won’t deliver the same punch of flavor.
- Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a smoother and richer taste.
- Remember, the flavor of this dish lies in its simplicity. Don’t be tempted to throw in too many additional herbs or flavors. Allow the basic ingredients to shine.
- Lemon zest can make or break the dish. Zest the lemon carefully, only taking the yellow part and avoiding the bitter white pith.
- You can add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to this recipe if you prefer non-vegetarian meals.
What to serve with
The beauty of Lemon Basil Pasta is that its light, zesty flavor makes it a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides for a fulfilling dining experience. Below are some delicious side ideas to consider when you’re sitting down with a plate of this delightful pasta.
Garlic Bread or Bruschetta
There’s just something magical about pairing pasta with bread. Simple garlic bread, slathered with butter, topped with minced garlic, and toasted to perfection, is a classic side dish. For a more elegant option, consider serving bruschetta. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic atop toasted slices of baguette serves as a great refreshing counterpoint to your pasta.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
A healthy selection of roasted or grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchinis, eggplant, and summer squash can strike the perfect balance with the lemon and basil flavor of your pasta. Adding a sprinkle of your choice seasoning over the top will elevate the flavors.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy Caesar dressing is another excellent accompaniment. The creamy texture of the dressing creates another layer of flavor that complements the lightness of the Lemon Basil Pasta.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
If you’re a fan of proteins, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to your meal. These options can be marinated with herbs and spices of your choice, cooked until tender and juicy, and served on the side or even mixed in with your pasta.
A Glass of Wine
To drink, a crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian Pinot Grigio are excellent choices that pair wonderfully with the citrus notes in the pasta.
Ingredients substitutes
Flavorful and versatile, the Lemon Basil Pasta is forgiving when it comes to ingredients. If you’re missing something, or you want to tweak the recipe to your dietary needs or personal taste, worry not. Below are some possible substitutes you can consider in your culinary creativity:
- Pasta: Use any pasta of your choice. Penne, linguine, bowties, and rigatoni all work well. For a gluten-free option, opt for a gluten-free pasta variety or zucchini noodles.
- Olive Oil: If you don’t have olive oil, you can use any other type of neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil. However, this may slightly alter the authentic Italian flavor of the dish.
- Lemon Juice: This is a vital ingredient that is hard to replace due to its unique flavor. However, in desperate situations, one could opt for certain vinegar varieties such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. But be light-handed, as these are much stronger in flavor.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves are ideal for their burst of flavor. Should fresh basil be unavailable, dried basil can be used (use 1/3 of the amount as dried herbs are more potent). Alternatively, you can substitute with fresh spinach or arugula, though it won’t quite be the same.
- Parmesan Cheese: If you want a vegan option, swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast, which lends a cheese-like flavor. Or you could use a vegan Parmesan substitute. For non-vegans, you could use other hard, aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano if Parmesan isn’t available.
- Garlic: If fresh garlic isn’t at hand, garlic powder can be used instead—roughly 1/8 tsp of garlic powder substitutes for one clove of fresh garlic.
Final Thoughts
Relish your delicious creation with a glass of white wine or a chilled beverage of your choice. Enjoy the journey of mastering this simple yet flavorful Lemon Basil Pasta, and don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it!
More Pasta Dishes:
- Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Shrimp Portofino
