Lemon Garlic Pasta with basil

A pan of lemon garlic pasta topped with fresh basil leaves.

Lemon Garlic Pasta with basil

This lemon garlic pasta with basil recipe features fusilli pasta coated in a delicate lemon garlic sauce topped with fresh basil leaves.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Keyword lemon garlic pasta, lemon basil pasta, lemon garlic pasta sauce, lemon pasta sauce

Cook Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 269kcal

Author Jamie

Ingredients

¾ pound pasta or gluten-free pasta (12 ounces)
3 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
4 cloves garlic , minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 medium lemon , juiced and zested
¼ cup fresh basil leaves , plus more to taste (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water afterwards.
Lemon Garlic Sauce: Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the garlic begins to turn golden and becomes fragrant. Remove from heat.
Combine: Add the lemon juice and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, then add the pasta. Stir to coat the noodles in the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover lemon garlic pasta with basil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pasta shapes: My favorite pasta shape is fusilli because it holds the lemon garlic sauce well. Traditional spaghetti or fettuccine noodles are also a good pasta shape for this recipe.

Nutrition