Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan
A simple yet flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced 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 extra virgin olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
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, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every strand.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan?
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 Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan?
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 Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan 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 Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan?
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.
