Bright Green Basil-Pine Nut Pasta with Lemon Zest
A light, airy pasta dish featuring a vibrant basil pesto swirled with lemon zest, creating a dish that sparkles like morning light on fresh leaves. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Fresh basil leaves, Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 445 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Spaghetti
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon Lemon zest
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Toasted pine nuts
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest from 1 lemon, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; blend until smooth and paste-like, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 3: Add the basil pesto to the drained spaghetti in a large bowl and toss over low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and becomes glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bright Green Basil-Pine Nut Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bright Green Basil-Pine Nut Pasta with Lemon Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bright Green Basil-Pine Nut Pasta with Lemon Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bright Green Basil-Pine Nut Pasta with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bright Green Basil-Pine Nut Pasta with Lemon Zest?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
