Description
A quick and flavorful one-pot pasta recipe combining zesty lemon, fresh basil, and savory Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, delivering a creamy and tangy sauce without the need for multiple pots or complicated steps.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 grams) spaghetti
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (or more to taste)
- 2 cups grated Parmesan (about 3.5 oz or 100 grams)
- Zest and juice from 2 large lemons
- A handful of fresh basil (about 4 tbsp finely chopped)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the spaghetti until it is almost al dente, following the package instructions but reducing the cooking time by 30 to 60 seconds. Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chili flakes, lemon zest, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds while stirring to release their flavors.
- Add Lemon Juice and Mix: Pour in the lemon juice and zest from one lemon, mixing everything together thoroughly. Then add the cooked pasta back into the pot, stirring well so it absorbs the lemon juice, butter, and spices.
- Create Sauce: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese alternating with incremental additions of the reserved pasta water (between 1/2 cup to 1 cup) while stirring continuously to emulsify and create a creamy sauce.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the pasta and add more lemon juice if desired (up to the juice of two lemons), as well as additional freshly ground black pepper, flaky sea salt, chili flakes, or Parmesan cheese to suit your preference.
- Add Basil and Serve: Fold in the finely chopped fresh basil evenly throughout the pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy this bright, comforting pasta dish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and adjust consistency.
- Adjust chili flakes and lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is best enjoyed fresh and creamy.
- Can add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
