Lemon Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh Basil and Parmesan
Bright, zesty, and utterly delicious, this Lemon Garlic Spaghetti is a perfect summer dish that brings together the fresh flavors of garlic and lemon with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. Tossed with al dente spaghetti and a sprinkle of fresh basil, this pasta is light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a summery supper or a delightful side dish to accompany grilled vegetables or chicken. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing and wholesome meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
225
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked spaghetti
6 cups (prepared according to package directions)
garlic cloves
4-5 (minced)
large lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
olive oil or grapeseed oil
2-3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (torn)
fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (use the real thing, for garnishing)
Instructions
1
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
2
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil or grapeseed oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until the garlic is golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3
Add the drained spaghetti to the frying pan with the garlic, increasing the heat to medium. Toss the spaghetti in the garlic oil until it is well coated. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
4
Remove the pan from heat and add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and torn basil leaves. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is combined with all the flavors.
5
Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh Basil and Parmesan?
It is a bright, zesty, and light summer pasta dish that combines the fresh flavors of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are cooked spaghetti, garlic, lemon, olive oil or grapeseed oil, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
How much spaghetti do I need?
You will need 6 cups of cooked spaghetti, prepared according to package directions.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 minced garlic cloves.
Should I use fresh lemon?
Yes, you need one large lemon for both its juice and its zest.
What type of oil is recommended?
You can use either olive oil or grapeseed oil for sautéing the garlic.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing.
How should the basil be prepared?
The 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves should be torn before being added to the pasta.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
A cup of reserved pasta water is used to help emulsify the sauce if the pasta seems too dry.
What does it mean to cook spaghetti 'al dente'?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite rather than mushy.
How should the garlic be sautéed?
The garlic should be sautéed gently over low heat until it is golden and fragrant.
Can I burn the garlic?
No, you should take care not to burn the garlic as it will make the dish taste bitter.
When do I add the lemon juice and zest?
The lemon juice and zest are added after the pan has been removed from the heat.
When should the basil be added?
The torn basil leaves should be added at the end, after the pan is removed from the heat, to maintain their fresh flavor.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served as a light summery supper or as a side dish for grilled vegetables or chicken.
What are good pairings for this spaghetti?
It pairs well with a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or grilled chicken.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains about 7.5g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon is highly recommended because the recipe requires both the juice and the zest for maximum flavor.
How should the Parmesan be grated?
The recipe suggests using fresh grated 'real' Parmesan for the best results.
Do I need to keep the heat on when adding the herbs?
No, you should remove the pan from the heat before adding the lemon juice, zest, and basil.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Spaghetti.
How long should the garlic be cooked?
Until it is golden and fragrant, which usually takes just a few minutes on low heat.
What is the consistency of the sauce?
The sauce is a light emulsion of oil, lemon juice, and pasta water that coats the noodles.
Should this dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately while warm, garnished with Parmesan cheese.