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.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
16 oz pasta1/4 cup butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup basil leaves
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.
Instructions:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Gently fold in the chopped basil leaves, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- 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 per serving
4 ServingsCalories 730kcal
Protein 16g
Carbohydrates 90g
Fiber 3.97g
Sugar 5g
Fat 33g
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