15-Minute Lemon Herb Pasta
A bright, zesty pasta that comes together faster than delivery. Fresh lemon, herbs, and parmesan make weeknight magic.
Quick Meals
4.8
· 23 ratings
🕐 Prep: 5 min
|
🔥 Cook: 10 min
|
⏱️ Total: 15 min
Equipment
Ingredients
- ▸ 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- ▸ 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ▸ 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ▸ 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- ▸ 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- ▸ 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- ▸ 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
- ▸ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ▸ Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- 1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- 2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. You'll use about half.
Build the Sauce
- 1. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 60-90 seconds until garlic is just golden — not brown.
- 3. Remove from heat and add lemon juice (careful, it will sizzle).
Toss & Serve
- 1. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet. Return to medium-low heat.
- 2. Add lemon zest, half the parmesan, and 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce is glossy and coats the pasta.
- 3. Add more pasta water if needed for consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4. Remove from heat, toss in fresh basil and parsley. Top with remaining parmesan.
Cook's Notes
- 💡 The pasta water is crucial — its starch creates the silky sauce. Don't skip reserving it.
- 💡 Add a handful of arugula at the end for a peppery bite.