As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over my backyard, I found myself inspired by the fragrant basil plants that thrived in the warm summer air. With a gentle breeze wafting through, I decided to create a dish that would capture the essence of summer – a light and refreshing pasta infused with zesty lemon and aromatic basil. This Sun-Drenched Lemon Basil Pasta became an instant favorite, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a delightful lunch al fresco.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 large lemon
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. As the pasta cooks, you can start preparing the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
Next, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Allow this to gently simmer for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and then add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring until they soften slightly.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the spaghetti evenly. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, fold in the torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is well combined. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.
This Sun-Drenched Lemon Basil Pasta is a celebration of summertime flavors, bringing a bright and vibrant dish to your table. Whether enjoyed on a warm evening or as a comforting lunch, it’s a dish that evokes the warmth of the sun and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Bon appétit!