Lemon Basil Pasta

Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe from Italy with Whipping Cream and Garlic

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemon Basil Pasta is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the zesty taste of lemon with the aromatic flavor of fresh basil. This dish is perfect for a light and summery meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Lemon Basil Pasta can be traced back to Italy, where pasta dishes are a staple in the country's cuisine. The combination of lemon and basil in this dish adds a unique twist to traditional pasta recipes, creating a dish that is both light and flavorful.

Ingredients

0.5 cup whipping cream
8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely minced
coarse salt
freshly ground white pepper, to taste
cayenne pepper, to taste
16 oz (454 g) fresh or dried linguine
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely minced
2 tbsp fresh basil, finely minced

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, 1 tbsp at a time, to make a creamy sauce.
Whisk in the lemon juice and garlic.
Taste and season with salt, white pepper, and cayenne.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the linguine and cook until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes for fresh, 8 to 10 minutes for dried.
Drain well.
Return the linguine to the warm pot.
Add the warm sauce, chopped basil, and chives.
Toss well.
Season with more lemon juice, salt, white pepper, and cayenne as needed.
Using a carving fork with two long, straight tines, spear a serving of pasta onto the bottom tine.
Place the pasta-entwined fork over a plate and invert the fork, letting the pasta slide off into a neat stack.
Repeat with the remaining pasta.
Garnish with the whole basil leaves and serve immediately.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute the linguine with spaghetti or fettuccine for a different texture.
Add cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure that it has the perfect texture.

- When making the sauce, whisk in the butter slowly to create a creamy and smooth consistency.

- Taste the sauce as you season it with salt, white pepper, and cayenne to adjust the flavors to your liking.

- Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Basil Pasta can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the cream to thicken it before adding the butter for a creamy sauce.

- Toss the pasta with the sauce and herbs while it is still warm to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use half-and-half or milk instead of whipping cream for a lighter sauce.

- Substitute dried basil for fresh basil if fresh herbs are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before tossing with the pasta.

- Cook the pasta al dente and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lemon Basil Pasta in individual bowls garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. - Arrange the pasta neatly on a plate using a carving fork for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lemon Basil Pasta with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

480

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 56g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 26g

- Saturated Fat: 16g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 25%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy and gluten

Summary

Lemon Basil Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lemon Basil Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the zesty flavor of lemon and the aromatic taste of fresh basil, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Lemon Basil Pasta. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun was shining brightly and the birds were chirping happily. I was visiting my friend Anna, who had just returned from a trip to Italy. She had brought back with her a suitcase full of exotic spices and ingredients, all of which she was eager to share with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on freshly brewed coffee, Anna pulled out a small bottle of lemon-infused olive oil. The scent was intoxicating, a perfect blend of citrusy freshness and earthy richness. My curiosity was piqued, and I asked Anna what she planned to make with it.

With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Anna replied, "I'm going to show you how to make the most delicious Lemon Basil Pasta you've ever tasted."

I watched in amazement as Anna whipped up the dish with ease, using only a handful of ingredients – spaghetti, lemon-infused olive oil, fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The aroma that filled her kitchen was out of this world, a tantalizing mix of zesty lemon and fragrant basil that made my mouth water.

As I took my first bite of the Lemon Basil Pasta, I felt like I had been transported to a quaint Italian trattoria overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The flavors were bright and vibrant, the perfect harmony of tangy citrus and aromatic herbs. It was a revelation, a dish that I knew I had to recreate in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this Lemon Basil Pasta countless times, each time tweaking and perfecting the recipe to my own taste. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at its simplicity and deliciousness. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day in Anna's kitchen, where I first fell in love with this delectable dish.

The key to making the perfect Lemon Basil Pasta lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always make sure to use the freshest basil I can find, plucked straight from my garden. The lemon-infused olive oil is also crucial, adding a bright and citrusy note that elevates the dish to new heights.

To make the Lemon Basil Pasta, start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Once the garlic is golden brown, add a handful of torn basil leaves to the skillet and toss them gently to wilt. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the fragrant oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve the Lemon Basil Pasta hot, garnished with a few more torn basil leaves and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine and a simple side salad, making it the perfect meal for a warm summer evening.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of my beloved Lemon Basil Pasta, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. This recipe is more than just a dish – it is a symbol of friendship, discovery, and the joy of cooking. And as I take my first bite, I am reminded once again of the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary.