Jestful Merriam-Webster Lemon Basil Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts
Bright lemon and aromatic basil come together in a simple pasta tossed with toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, heat 4 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Add 2 tsp lemon zest and 3 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing with reserved 1/2 cup pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves and the toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately for a bright, fresh pasta dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Jestful Merriam-Webster Lemon Basil Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Jestful Merriam-Webster Lemon Basil Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Jestful Merriam-Webster Lemon Basil Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts?
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 Jestful Merriam-Webster Lemon Basil Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Jestful Merriam-Webster Lemon Basil Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts?
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.
