Description
This Lemon Pesto Pasta is a bright, fresh, and comforting dish made with homemade basil pesto, zesty lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, this recipe brings together creamy textures and citrusy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- In a blender, combine basil, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, and zest.
- Blend while slowly adding olive oil until smooth.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Return pasta to the pot and add pesto.
- Mix well, adding pasta water gradually to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with extra parmesan and lemon zest.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. You can substitute walnuts for pine nuts. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water or olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg