![To make lemon basil pesto pasta, you need some key items. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup unsalted almonds (or pine nuts) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.) You can enhance the flavor of your dish with these extras: - Cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch - Extra basil leaves for garnish These additions can make your dish even more vibrant and tasty. Each serving of lemon basil pesto pasta brings many benefits. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition: - Calories: About 450 - Protein: 12g - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fat: 20g The dish is satisfying and offers great energy. With simple ingredients, you can enjoy a fresh meal that is healthy and delicious. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it bubbles, add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is done, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This water helps later if the dish needs more moisture. Next, let’s make the lemon basil pesto. Grab a food processor and add 2 cups of fresh basil leaves. Then, toss in 1/2 cup of unsalted almonds or pine nuts, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the mix. Pulse this mixture until it is finely chopped. Now, with the processor running, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. This gives the pesto that creamy texture we love. If you want it smoother, add a bit more olive oil. Finally, pour in the juice of 1 lemon. Pulse a few more times and season with salt and pepper to taste. Take a large mixing bowl and combine the drained pasta with the fresh pesto. If the pasta looks too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. This helps the pesto cling to the pasta. Stir it well until every piece is coated. Now, plate the pasta and add some halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves for a nice touch. You can find the Full Recipe for more detailed steps and tips. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful lemon basil pesto pasta! To make great pesto, start with fresh basil. Look for bright green leaves without spots. Use a food processor for a smooth blend. Add garlic and nuts for flavor. I enjoy using almonds or pine nuts. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. Slowly pour in extra-virgin olive oil while mixing. This creates a creamy texture. Finally, add lemon juice for a zesty kick. Remember to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For perfect pasta, use a large pot with plenty of water. Add salt to the water before boiling. This helps season the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite. Save some pasta water before draining. This water helps mix with your pesto later. It adds flavor and creaminess. When serving, use a large bowl for the pasta. This allows for easy mixing and serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Add halved cherry tomatoes for color and taste. This makes your dish look bright and inviting. A beautiful presentation makes the meal even more enjoyable. For a fresh touch, drizzle a little olive oil on top. {{image_2}} If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can swap the nuts in the pesto. Use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They add a nice crunch. For cheese, consider using nutritional yeast for a vegan option. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also try vegan cheese if you want a similar texture. If you need gluten-free pasta, there are many tasty options. Look for pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. These types can have great textures and flavors. Always check the package for cooking times. They may cook faster than regular pasta. This way, you can enjoy the lemon basil pesto pasta without worry. You can make your dish heartier by adding protein or veggies. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs nicely with this pasta. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu. They boost protein and flavor. Add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. Toss them in with the pasta for a delicious meal. For the complete recipe, see the [Full Recipe]. To keep leftover lemon basil pesto pasta, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, check the pasta for any signs of spoilage. If it looks good, it’s ready to enjoy! You can freeze pesto for later use! Pour the pesto into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. For pasta, freeze it plain. Make sure the pasta cools before putting it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for about two months. Reheating lemon basil pesto pasta is easy. Place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. If using frozen pesto, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Mix it in with fresh pasta for a tasty meal. Enjoy your delicious dish! You can use seeds instead of nuts. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Some people even use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without nuts. This makes it a great option for those with nut allergies. Yes, you can make lemon basil pesto ahead of time. Store it in a jar with a little olive oil on top to keep it fresh. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about a week. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. To make this dish vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor. It gives a nice taste without any dairy. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, you keep all the fresh flavors while making it plant-based. While you can use dried basil, fresh basil gives the best flavor. Dried basil lacks the bright taste that fresh basil brings. If you must use dried, use about one-third of the amount. Remember, dried herbs are more concentrated. You can use any pasta you like. Spaghetti and penne are popular choices. The key is to cook it until it is al dente. This texture holds up well with the pesto. You can also try gluten-free pasta for a different twist. If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the pesto. Start with a small amount and taste it. You can always add more if you like it hotter. Another option is to add a little jalapeño or fresh chili. This pasta pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. For a light meal, serve it with steamed veggies. Yes! For more lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors. A little goes a long way in brightening the dish. Store leftover pasta in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in a pan with a little olive oil. This keeps it moist and tasty. No, do not rinse the pasta after cooking. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. Just drain it and combine it with the pesto right away. This helps the flavors mix better. For the full recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. This blog covered essential and optional ingredients to make delicious pasta with basil pesto. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create the dish. You learned tips for perfect texture and presentation. I also discussed variations and how to store leftovers effectively. In closing, making this pasta dish can be simple and flavorful. With just a few adjustments, you can customize it to match your tastes. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/4460b38c-67ae-440a-a861-0183b3e18414-250x250.webp)
Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta with this easy recipe! Using fresh basil, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan, you can whip up a delicious meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish combines simplicity with gourmet taste. Explore the full recipe and transform your dining experience today! Click through for all the details and start cooking!