Lemon Basil Pasta is a light, refreshing dish that you can easily make using simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. With bright lemon juice, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic butter, this pasta offers a perfect balance of flavors that feels both satisfying and elegant. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal to impress guests, this dish delivers a fresh and flavorful experience every time.
Why We Love This Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe
You’ll appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy days without sacrificing taste. The blend of lemon and basil creates a fresh and vibrant flavor profile that’s bright yet comforting. The melted butter and garlic add richness, while the parmesan cheese offers a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together beautifully.
This pasta is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own as a vegetarian meal or easily add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it heartier. Its fresh ingredients make it feel like a dish you’d order at a high-end restaurant, but with much less effort and expense.
Ingredients About Lemon Basil Pasta
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or finely chopped)
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best for brightness)
- ½ cup white cooking wine (optional but adds nice depth)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced thin
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pound pasta (any shape you prefer, though long noodles work well)
How to Make Lemon Basil Pasta Directions
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water—this will season the pasta as it cooks. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente, meaning tender but still slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta type.
While the pasta cooks, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Stir in the garlic and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook gently so the garlic softens but doesn’t brown or burn, which could add bitterness.
Next, pour in the lemon juice and white wine. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to warm through, letting the flavors meld for a few minutes. This sauce will be bright and tangy, perfectly complementing the richness of the butter and garlic.
Once your pasta is ready, drain it well but keep a bit of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Toss the pasta directly into the saucepan with your lemon-basil butter sauce. Mix everything together until the noodles are fully coated.
Finish by sprinkling the freshly grated parmesan cheese and sliced basil over the top. Give it one last gentle toss to spread the cheese and herbs evenly. The cheese will melt slightly into the warm pasta, adding creamy texture and a salty kick.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Pasta
This pasta shines when served fresh and warm. You can dish it straight from the pan into bowls or plates, garnishing with extra basil leaves or a little more parmesan if you like.
For a complete meal, pair it with a light green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. The crispness of the salad balances the creamy pasta wonderfully. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or scallops are excellent companions, adding a boost of flavor and substance.
This dish works well as a side for grilled vegetables or roasted asparagus too. The lemon and basil flavors tie well with many summer vegetables, making it a versatile option for your meal plan.
Expert Tips: Lemon Basil Pasta
To make your pasta even better, here are some helpful hints:
- Use fresh lemon juice and basil whenever possible to maximize flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be too harsh or dull, and dried basil won’t have the same bright aroma.
- Don’t overcook your pasta. Al dente texture adds a pleasant bite and helps the sauce cling better.
- If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you cook the garlic and butter. It gives a subtle spice that pairs well with the lemon’s acidity.
- Consider reserving some pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash to the sauce can help loosen it if it feels too thick and helps the sauce stick better to the noodles.
- If you avoid alcohol, you can replace the white wine with extra lemon juice or a splash of vegetable broth to keep the liquid balance.
- Grated parmesan melts best when fresh. Pre-grated store-bought cheese may not give the same creamy texture.
How to Store Lemon Basil Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The pasta keeps well for up to three days. Before reheating, sprinkle fresh basil on top to revive its vibrant flavor. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it has dried out.
Avoid freezing this pasta since the texture and fresh herb flavor might change after thawing.
Variation of Lemon Basil Pasta
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add cooked chicken breast or lemon-seasoned chicken pieces to make it a protein-packed meal.
- Swap the parmesan with pecorino or another hard cheese for a different flavor twist.
- Incorporate sautéed shrimp or scallops for a seafood version that feels elegant yet simple.
- Make it vegan by replacing butter with olive oil and using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Fresh basil and lemon will keep the brightness intact.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes or roasted vegetables to add color and texture.
- Mix fresh spinach or arugula into the pasta just before serving for an extra boost of greens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Basil Pasta
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work beautifully because they hold the sauce well. However, you can also use short pasta like penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
Can I prepare the sauce without white wine?
Yes, you can omit the white wine and replace it with extra lemon juice or vegetable broth. This keeps the sauce flavorful but suitable for those avoiding alcohol.
How do I keep the basil fresh when serving leftovers?
Store your pasta in the fridge in a sealed container. Before reheating, add fresh basil leaves on top to revive the aroma and flavor.
Is this pasta suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! As long as you use vegetarian-friendly parmesan or a cheese substitute, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and follow the recipe as usual.
Lemon Basil Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Medium Saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp garlic minced or finely chopped
- 0.5 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed is best
- 0.5 cup white cooking wine optional
- 0.25 cup fresh basil sliced thin
- 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb pasta any shape you prefer
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and allow to melt. Stir in garlic and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking gently until softened.
- Pour in lemon juice and white wine. Stir and warm through for a few minutes.
- Once pasta is ready, drain well (reserving some pasta water) and toss into the saucepan with the lemon-basil butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and sliced basil, tossing gently to combine.
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