Description
A delightful dish that combines the richness of cream with the freshness of herbs, featuring zesty lemon and aromatic basil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 grams (10.5 oz) pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cracked black pepper for serving
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring gently. Then add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper. Plate the pasta, garnishing with extra basil, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed sausage.
- Vegetarian options include adding sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Fresh basil is preferred for the best flavor; if unavailable, use dried herbs sparingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Italian Cuisine, Vegetarian Pasta