Lemon Basil Pasta

This Lemon Basil Pasta is a fresh, easy dinner that’s simply bursting with bright lemon flavor and fragrant basil. It’s just perfect for fuss-free weeknight meals and it comes together in under 20 minutes!

5 from 3 votes

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Course: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 640kcal

Author: Alice | Skinny Spatula

Ingredients

▢ 8 oz (225 g) linguine
▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
▢ 2 large garlic cloves, minced
▢ ½ cup (125 ml) dry white wine
▢ Juice and zest of 1 small lemon
▢ ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan, grated
▢ 8-10 fresh basil leaves
▢ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt it generously and cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
8 oz linguine
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and just beginning to soften.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large garlic cloves
Pour the white wine into the skillet and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by about half.
½ cup dry white wine
Add the lemon juice and continue to simmer for another minute, then stir in the lemon zest.
Juice and zest of 1 small lemon
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to cover evenly in the sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce become silky.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⅓ cup Parmesan
8-10 fresh basil leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Serve immediately, with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top.

Video

Notes

Add as much pasta water as needed to make it silky. You might need to use the whole cup.
Reduce the wine until the consistency of the sauce is creamy, it shouldn’t be watery.
Always tear the basil by hand for preserving the flavor and nice green color.

Nutrition

Nutrition is per serving and is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.