Lemon and basil spaghetti

Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Lemon and Basil Spaghetti recipe. Featuring tender pasta coated in a creamy, buttery sauce infused with tangy lemon juice, aromatic lemon zest, and a hint of ground nutmeg. Finished with fresh basil leaves, this dish offers a perfect balance of bright flavors and comforting textures, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet sophisticated meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a delectable way to elevate your weeknight dinners.

  • 08 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 15 min
  • Prep time 5 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Lemon and basil spaghetti

Lemon and basil spaghetti is a delightful and refreshing pasta dish that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the fresh, aromatic notes of basil. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. It's rich and creamy, yet bright and zesty, making it a versatile dish that will please everyone's palate.

Ingredients:

16 oz pasta
450g
1/4 cup butter
54g
1 cup heavy whipping cream
230g
1/3 cup lemon juice
63g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g
1 tsp ground nutmeg
5g
1 cup basil leaves
7g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
3. Add Citrus and Spice:
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and ground nutmeg into the cream mixture.
- Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon cream sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
5. Incorporate Basil:
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Gently fold in the chopped basil leaves, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
6. Serve:
- Plate the lemon and basil spaghetti immediately.
- Optionally, garnish with additional basil leaves or a light sprinkle of lemon zest for extra freshness.

Tips:

- Cook the pasta al dente.

- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.

- Add the basil leaves at the end to keep them bright and flavorful.

- Consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, in case you need to thin out the sauce.

With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, lemon and basil spaghetti is sure to become a favorite in your household. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also brings a touch of elegance to your table. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that's bursting with freshness and zest.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size210 grams
Energy
Calories 730kcal36%
Protein
Protein 16g11%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 90g25%
Fiber 3.97g10%
Sugar 5g5%
Fat
Fat 33g40%
Saturated 20g67%
Cholesterol 100mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 350ug38%
Choline 30mg6%
Vitamin B1 1.03mg86%
Vitamin B2 0.57mg44%
Vitamin B3 8mg51%
Vitamin B6 0.19mg11%
Vitamin B9 280ug69%
Vitamin B12 0.09ug4%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Vitamin E 0.69mg5%
Vitamin K 10ug8%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 70mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.36mg40%
Iron, Fe 3.91mg36%
Magnesium, Mg 70mg16%
Phosphorus, P 260mg20%
Potassium, K 340mg10%
Selenium, Se 70ug134%
Sodium, Na 24mg2%
Zinc, Zn 1.80mg16%
Water
Water 66g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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