Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight meal! Lemon Basil Butter Pasta is the kind of quick-fix comfort food that feels as indulgent as it is easy. Creamy butter, fragrant basil, and zesty lemon swirl together to create a dish that’s luxuriously simple, singing with fresh flavors and a pop of brightness in every bite. This pasta is proof that a handful of top-quality ingredients can turn a regular night into an occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself at the end of a long day, this recipe will instantly become your go-to for effortless Italian-inspired goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Lemon Basil Butter Pasta is just a grocery basket away, and each component truly shines. These ingredients aren’t just simple — they’re purposeful, each one layering in flavor, texture, or color for a memorable bowl of pasta.
- Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine are perfect for twirling and soaking up the luscious sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a velvety, rich base for the sauce — use high-quality butter for best taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce warmth and aromatic depth.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Infuses the entire dish with herbal brightness; chop just before stirring in for max flavor.
- Lemon (Zest and Juice): The zest gives an intense lemon aroma while the juice brings a refreshing tang.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty undertones that marry all the flavors together.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the other ingredients.
- Extra Basil Leaves & Parmesan (for garnish): Finish each serving with a flourish of freshness and creaminess.
How to Make Lemon Basil Butter Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice (spaghetti or linguine works wonder here) according to package instructions, just until al dente. Remember to reserve half a cup of that magical, starchy pasta water before draining — it’ll be liquid gold for your sauce.
Step 2: Create the Butter Base
As the pasta cooks, start the sauce. In a wide skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s just foamy. Add in the minced garlic, stirring gently, and let it sizzle for about a minute. You want it aromatic and lightly golden, not browned — the fragrance as it hits the butter is irresistible!
Step 3: Add Lemon Zest and Juice
Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest followed by the juice. This is where your Lemon Basil Butter Pasta starts to come alive: the butter melds with sunny citrus notes for a bright, tangy, and aromatic sauce.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing to coat the strands evenly in the glossy lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. At this step, add a splash of your reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce, creating that silky consistency that clings perfectly to every noodle.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Season the pasta generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust — every palate is different, and a little extra pepper can add just the right kick. Give the pasta one final toss so everything is melded and glossy.
Step 6: Serve with Garnishes
Serve immediately, topping each portion with extra fresh basil leaves and a generous snow of grated Parmesan. Every bowl of Lemon Basil Butter Pasta is a celebration of color and fragrance, ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Butter Pasta
Garnishes
For true restaurant-style appeal, always finish with extra basil leaves torn right before serving and a shower of grated or shaved Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, a twist of lemon zest on top adds a beautiful burst of color and a hint of citrusy perfume.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lemon Basil Butter Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus or broccolini, or classic garlic bread to keep that Italian-inspired mood. The simplicity of the pasta leaves room for bolder sides if you wish.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the pasta in shallow bowls with big, twirl-worthy nests. You can also nestle the pasta into a parmesan “bowl” or top each plate with a handful of microgreens for a fresh, modern look. For special occasions, try pairing with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Lemon Basil Butter Pasta to an airtight container once it’s cooled. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days; the flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator and plan to use within one month for best results.
Reheating
Bring pasta to room temperature if possible, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra butter to revive the creamy sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and heat in bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are classic choices, any noodle—like fettuccine, penne, or even farfalle—works well and soaks up the lemon butter sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavors will still be bright and satisfying, especially with extra fresh basil.
Can I add protein to Lemon Basil Butter Pasta?
Definitely—grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or flaky white fish pair beautifully with the citrus and herbs. For a vegetarian boost, toss in roasted chickpeas or white beans.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese just before tossing in the pasta. The sauce will embrace the noodles in a dreamy, luscious coating.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the vibrant yellow layer of the lemon skin—avoid the bitter white pith beneath. Zest directly over the skillet to capture all those fragrant oils.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how something as simple as Lemon Basil Butter Pasta can transport you to a sun-drenched Italian kitchen with every forkful. Give this recipe a place in your rotation and let its bright, comforting flavors be the highlight of your week—I can’t wait for you to taste just how delightful homemade pasta night can be!
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Lemon Basil Butter Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Basil Butter Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of basil and lemon with the richness of butter and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- extra basil leaves and Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Stir.
- Combine: Toss pasta in skillet with sauce. Add basil and Parmesan. If dry, add reserved pasta water gradually. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream.
- Substitute basil with fresh parsley or spinach for a different herbaceous note.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
