There was a sunny afternoon when I found myself in my grandmother’s garden, surrounded by vibrant basil plants and sun-ripened cherry tomatoes. The air was fragrant with a hint of citrus, and I couldn’t help but be inspired to create a dish that captured the essence of that moment. The idea for this delightful Lemon Basil Pasta was born, combining the freshness of garden herbs with the tangy brightness of lemon and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a smile to your face.
Ingredients
400g spaghetti
250g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Begin your culinary journey by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. As the pasta cooks, you can prepare the vibrant sauce that will elevate your dish.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the garlic infuses the oil with its rich flavor.
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, stirring gently to coat them in the garlicky oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let them cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften and release their juices, creating a beautiful sauce. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes will remind you of that sunny garden.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about a cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together, adding the lemon zest, lemon juice, and torn basil leaves. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings deliciously to the noodles.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to your liking and taste to adjust the salt. The final touch is an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the dish.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. As you twirl your forkful of this delightful Lemon Basil Pasta, let the flavors transport you back to that sunny afternoon in the garden, where every bite is a celebration of simplicity and joy.