Savor a delicious dish, light and full of freshness with this recipe for pasta with lemon and basil. This bright mix of flavors is perfect for all occasions, from weekday lunches to chic dinners with friends.
A recipe rich in flavors
The combination of lemon and basil gives a touch of acidity and a note of tender green to this cream pasta dish, while butter and parmesan add a decadent richness that will envelop your taste buds in pleasure. It all pairs wonderfully with the pasta, creating an unforgettablely delicious meal.
The ingredients you will need
To prepare this recipe for four people, here is the list of what you will need:
- 400g of pasta (spaghetti, tagliatelle, fettuccine, etc.)
- 2 untreated lemons
- 50g of butter
- 25cl of thick fresh cream
- 100g of grated parmesan
- A few fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (optional)
How to prepare lemon and basil pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
To start, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until they are al dente. Drain them, taking care to save a little of the cooking water.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
Grate the zest of the two lemons and squeeze out the juice. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat and add the lemon zest. Let it infuse for a few minutes to allow the butter to absorb the flavors of the lemon, then add the fresh cream.
Gently heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then incorporate the lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and chopped basil leaves. Stir constantly and let it simmer for a few minutes until you achieve a creamy and fragrant sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Mix the pasta and the sauce
Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce, mixing well to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, use the reserved pasta cooking water to deglaze and adjust the consistency. Continue heating everything for a few minutes until the flavors meld harmoniously.
Tips for even more indulgence
To truly elevate your lemon and basil pasta recipe, here are some additional tips:
- Add shrimp: for an even more indulgent version, sauté peeled shrimp in a little olive oil before incorporating them into the pasta and sauce. Their slightly crunchy texture will provide a nice contrast.
- grated cheese: if you don’t have any parmesan on hand, replace it with another grated cheese like pecorino, comté, or even gruyère, according to your preferences.
- Garnish with other fresh herbs: in addition to basil, sprinkle your dish with chives, fresh parsley.
- Make parmesan shavings to add more sophistication to the presentation of your plate. Using a vegetable peeler, peel thin slices of parmesan from a very cold piece and place them on the pasta just before serving.
Enjoy your meal!
With these tips and tricks for successfully making lemon and basil pasta with brio, you are equipped to delight your guests or simply treat yourself during a meal alone with yourself !
Don’t forget to serve this dish with a beautiful green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. And if you have a little time in front of you, why not end in style with a dessert just as light and fragrant? A lemon-basil sorbet or a fresh fruit tartlet will perfectly end this delicious meal with summer notes.