Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Medley
Al dente spaghetti tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with fresh parsley, basil, and a touch of chili for a simple Italian pasta delight. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp for pasta water + 1/2 tsp for seasoning salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated, optional parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Cook 12 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and then drain pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss well to combine.
- Step 4: Gradually add reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup at a time, tossing until the sauce coats the pasta and looks glossy, adding up to 1/2 cup as needed.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh, bright pasta dish.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Medley 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 Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Medley?
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 Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Medley?
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 Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Medley 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.
Is Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Medley vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
