How to Make Tangy Lemon Herb Pasta: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Who doesn’t love a quick, delicious pasta dish for lunch or dinner? If you’re craving something fresh, zesty, and full of flavor, tangy lemon herb pasta is the perfect choice. This dish is simple to make, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and packs a punch of citrus and herbs. Whether you’re hosting friends or just cooking for yourself, this recipe will surely impress.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating tangy lemon herb pasta from scratch. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this dish requires basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pasta: 300-400 grams (spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne works well)
- Lemon juice: Juice from 1-2 fresh lemons
- Lemon zest: From one lemon (adds extra tanginess!)
- Olive oil: About 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2-4 cloves (minced)
- Fresh parsley: A handful, finely chopped
- Fresh basil: A handful, finely chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese: About ½ cup (optional for topping)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Red pepper flakes: About ½ teaspoon (optional for a spicy kick)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (optional for richness)
Preparation: Tips to Get Started
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Boil your pasta: First, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Be sure to add enough salt to the boiling water—it should taste like seawater to flavor the pasta well. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest.
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Prepare your ingredients: While the pasta is boiling, chop your parsley and basil and set them aside. Mince the garlic and zest your lemon using a fine grater. Juice your lemons as well.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that everything is ready, let’s put your lemon herb pasta together. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic—it should turn slightly golden but not brown.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Lower the heat slightly and pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the lemon zest at the same time. This will create the tangy base of your sauce. Stir the mixture gently to combine, letting the aromatic flavors blend together.
Step 3: Incorporate Herbs
Add the chopped parsley and basil to the skillet, stirring to mix everything. The herbs will release a beautiful fragrance and balance the sharpness of the lemon. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a spicy twist, add them now.
Step 4: Add Butter (Optional)
If you like your pasta extra creamy, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter at this stage. The butter will add richness to the sauce and create a smoother texture. Let it melt completely, then mix well.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon herb sauce. Toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in a little of the reserved pasta water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to loosen it up.
Step 6: Season with Salt and Pepper
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper as needed. Keep in mind that parmesan cheese (if you’re using it) also adds saltiness.
Final Touch: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your tangy lemon herb pasta is perfectly mixed, it’s time to plate it. Divide the pasta into bowls or plates and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese. You can also garnish with a few extra parsley or basil leaves for a fresh look.
For an extra touch of zing, consider adding a couple of lemon slices on the side or squeezing a little more lemon juice on top. If you’re hosting, serve this dish with some warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tangy lemon herb pasta is bright, light, and bursting with flavor. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, rich olive oil, and just a hint of garlic makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a heartier version. You can even make it vegan by skipping the parmesan cheese and butter.
The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you know how to create tangy lemon herb pasta, give it a try in your kitchen! This easy recipe is sure to become one of your go-to meals. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy every bite of this fresh, flavorful dish. Happy cooking!
