Lemon Pasta Recipe - A Refreshing Italian Delight

Lemon Pasta — a italian recipe (main course) with 10 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 17, 2026

25

Total Time (min)

10

servings

277

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Lemon Pasta Recipe - A Refreshing Italian Delight

Ingredients

Servings:
10
  • 1 cup pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated) (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted) (optional for garnish)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Cook the Pasta

    Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

    Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté Garlic

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    Do not let garlic brown.
  3. Add Lemon

    Stir in lemon juice and zest, and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

    Adjust the amount of lemon to your taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon sauce.

    Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Herbs

    Stir in grated parmesan and chopped basil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

    Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Kidney-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Egg-Free. Diet: Balanced

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Garlic bread
🍽️Caesar salad
🍽️Roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Lemon Pasta Recipe - A Refreshing Italian Delight is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 25 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.

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Nutrition Facts

10 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories400kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium350mgmg
Total Carbohydrates60gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein12gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineItalian