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Creamy Lemon Basil Spaghetti recipe

Creamy Lemon Basil Spaghetti with Fresh Herbs

Giulia, a passionate food enthusiast at Eat Every Slice, smiling in a bright kitchen filled with fresh ingredients and Italian-American inspiration.Giulia M.
This Creamy Lemon Basil Spaghetti combines the fresh flavors of lemon and basil with a rich, creamy sauce for a delightful pasta experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 zester
  • 1 mixing spoon

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Chop fresh basil, mince garlic, and zest lemons. Prepare all ingredients to streamline cooking.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sauté for 1 minute, then add heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  • Add grated Parmesan to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Stir in chopped basil and any optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or pine nuts.

Serving

  • Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional Parmesan and basil if desired. Serve immediately, enjoying each creamy, lemony bite.

Storage

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh basil and lemons for the best flavor. Whisk cheese slowly into the sauce to avoid clumping.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
How to Serve: Best served immediately with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare sauce ingredients in advance to save time during cooking.
Keyword creamy pasta recipes, Italian spaghetti, lemon basil pasta