Lemon-Basil Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Parmesan
Al dente pasta tossed in a bright lemon and fresh basil sauce with the rich sweetness of sundried tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 20 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, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced sundried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Nonstick skillets worth buying → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Pans + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
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, then drain pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup thinly sliced sundried tomatoes, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1 tbsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with extra cheese if desired.








