Description
This Flavorful Pasta is a light yet delicious dish featuring a rich garlic and olive oil sauce with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a burst of lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful side dish, this pasta will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic olive oil sauce.
- Add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Continue tossing to combine.
- Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
- Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add roasted vegetables (like cherry tomatoes or zucchini) or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on how tangy you want the pasta to be.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg