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Refreshing Lemon Basil Spaghetti Recipe for a Bright, Easy Dinner

Refreshing Lemon Basil Spaghetti

A bright, creamy-without-cream spaghetti dinner made with lemon, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, fresh basil, and starchy pasta water. This easy recipe serves four and is ready in about 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces Spaghetti
Lemon Basil Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
  • 1 lemon Lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes, optional
Finishing
  • 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed Fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
  • 1/2 to 1 cup Reserved pasta water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions, usually 12 to 15 minutes.
  2. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the spaghetti without rinsing it so its surface starch remains available to help the sauce cling.
  3. While the pasta cooks, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  4. Warm the minced garlic in a large skillet with a small amount of the olive oil over low to medium-low heat for 30 to 60 seconds. Keep the garlic pale and fragrant rather than browned.
  5. Add the hot spaghetti to the skillet, pour in the lemon-oil mixture, and toss thoroughly so the strands are evenly coated.
  6. Add the Parmesan and enough reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to create a glossy, lightly creamy coating.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the basil. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, lemon juice, or Parmesan before serving immediately.

Notes

Reserve more pasta water than you think you need because the starch helps emulsify the olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Add the basil off the heat to preserve its fresh aroma. For leftovers, reheat gently with a splash of water and finish with fresh basil or lemon zest.