Description
Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like pasta, fresh basil, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, this easy meatless meal is perfect for busy weeknights or summer dinners. The bright citrus notes paired with aromatic basil and rich butter make this pasta irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lemon (preferably Meyer lemon), thinly sliced
- 8 oz pasta (farfalle, fusilli, or penne)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz fresh basil, chopped (up to 4 oz for more flavor)
- ½ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
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- repare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter.
- Add thinly sliced lemon and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the lemon slices brown and release their juices, and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat, add 2 more tbsp of butter, and stir until melted.
- Remove and discard the lemon slices.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce:
- Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Place over low-medium heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Incorporate Fresh Basil and Seasonings:
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the chopped basil.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Transfer to serving plates.
- Garnish with remaining basil, toasted pine nuts, and extra black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Add Protein: Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed scallops.
- Vegetable Enhancements: Roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus work well.
- Nut Substitutions: Swap pine nuts with toasted almonds or walnuts.
- Cheese Options: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Vegetarian, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
