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Lemon pesto pasta recipe

Zesty Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe for Flavorful Home Cooking

This lemon pesto pasta recipe captures the refreshing essence of summer, ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Pot
  • pan
  • bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves use bright, vibrant leaves for the best flavor
  • 1 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts can swap for walnuts if preferred
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 2 cloves garlic use fresh for aromatic kick
  • 1/2 cup olive oil good-quality extra virgin

For the Pasta

  • 200 grams pasta spaghetti or fusilli works great
  • 1 tbsp salt for seasoning the pasta water

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Boil the Water: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil, adding a generous pinch of salt.
  • Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  • Prepare the Pesto: While the pasta is cooking, place your lemon pesto into a cold pan or bowl.
  • Combine Pasta and Pesto: When the pasta is ready, drain it and immediately add it to the bowl with the pesto.
  • Mix Well: Stir the pasta and pesto mixture together until every strand is coated.
  • Plate It Up: Serve your lemon pesto pasta on plates, adding fresh basil and pine nuts if desired.

Notes

Keep the lemon pesto separate when freezing for better freshness.
Keyword easy recipes, fresh ingredients, homemade pesto, lemon pesto pasta recipe, pasta dishes, quick pasta