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.

  • 02 Mar 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.

More recipes

Chicken stew with carrots, eggplant and garlic

Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that will warm you up from the inside out.

03 May 2025

Beef and mushroom soy noodles

Perfect for a delicious dinner that’s both quick and satisfying.

16 May 2025

Beef and vegetable goulash

Perfect for a cozy dinner.

26 Apr 2025

Pork and sweet potato skewers

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive BBQ treat.

08 May 2025

Fish with coconut rice and lime and coriander gremolata

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal is sure to impress.

09 Apr 2025

Parmesan chicken breasts

Ready in no time and packed with flavor, it's the perfect weeknight dinner.

15 Apr 2025

Classic tomato and basil bruschetta

Perfect as an appetizer or a light snack.

08 May 2025

Posts