This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta is full of fresh lemony flavor and is a great summer recipe to enjoy as a side dish or main meal.
I love fresh, simple pasta!
And this recipe is just in time for summer with its bright ingredients like fresh lemon, basil, and parsley.
The key to making a simple pasta taste amazing is to make sure you are using high-quality ingredients.
Yes, that means being a little more hands-on, but luckily squeezing fresh lemons, shopping for high-quality extra virgin olive oil, grating high-quality parmesan cheese, and mincing fresh garlic and herbs are all pretty simple.
And it really makes a huge difference in the flavor of your summer Italian feast!
Because good flavor creates good memories, which brings people back for more.
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta reminds me so much of fresh homemade lemonade in the best of ways.
So if you are a fan of fresh lemony flavor, loads of garlic, and indulging in plates full of flavorful spaghetti, this recipe is definitely for you!
Of course, you can’t forget the toppings!
You can load it with as many fresh herbs and freshly grated parmesan as your heart desires.
And let me tell you, my heart always desires a lot of toppings. The more the merrier!
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta is full of fresh lemony flavor and is a great summer recipe to enjoy as a side dish or main meal.
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Spaghetti
- 1 Cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6–8 Large Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice, approximately 2-3 large lemons
- 3/4 Cup Parmesan, freshly grated
- 2–3 Tablespoons Fresh Basil, minced
- Salt, to taste *(1)
- Black Pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Fresh Parmesan, grated
- Fresh Parsley, minced
- Fresh Basil, minced
Instructions
- First, bring a pot of water to a boil and prep your ingredients, mincing the garlic, squeezing the lemons, grating the parmesan, and mincing the basil and parsley.
- Next, cook the spaghetti according to the packaging instructions until al dente.
- When the pasta is almost done cooking, pour 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and the minced garlic in a large skillet and heat to medium heat. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Then add the 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup of pasta water (saving 3/4 cup additional reserved pasta water for later if needed). Bring to a simmer.
- Next, use tongs to transfer the al dente spaghetti into the lemon garlic sauce.
- Stir the 3/4 cup parmesan cheese into the spaghetti.*(2) If the pasta is hard to stir, add more of the reserved water, 1/4 cup at a time until it is easy to stir.
- Add 2 tablespoons of minced basil along with salt and black pepper to taste. *(1)
- Serve topped with fresh parmesan, parsley, and basil.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Parmesan cheese is salty so you may not need any salt.
- Sprinkling a little at a time while stirring will help disperse the parmesan cheese evenly.
- When using simple ingredients to create a recipe you will want to use high-quality ingredients. This includes high-quality extra virgin olive oil and parmesan, as well as good garlic cloves, fresh lemons, and fresh herbs.
I hope you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta!
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What are your favorite summer flavors to add to pasta?
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With love, Giusti
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
