Go Back
–+ servings
Print Pin

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring homemade lemon basil pesto. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, or whatever’s cheapest, no shade)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 Juice + zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (fusilli, linguine, penne—dealer’s choice)

Topping

  • Extra lemon zest or parmesan (for topping (if you’re extra like that))

Instructions 

  • Cook the pasta
  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
  • Make the pesto
  • Toss basil, nuts, garlic, lemon juice + zest, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until chopped. Stream in the olive oil while blending until smooth.
  • Mix it up
  • Toss the warm pasta with your fresh pesto. Add a splash of reserved pasta water. Top with extra cheese, lemon zest, or a squeeze of juice.
  • Serve or hoard
  • This can be eaten warm, room temp, or cold.

Notes

Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your preference for a more or less zesty flavor.
Calories: 450kcal
Cost: $12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 25g | Sodium: 300mg