Nordic Housewares Herb-Parmesan Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy pasta with fresh herbs, parmesan, and a hint of lemon, made with pantry staples in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, finely chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 3.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, and 1 tsp lemon zest; cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, then add 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until creamy.
  4. Step 4: Add drained fettuccine to skillet and toss vigorously for 2 minutes until pasta is evenly coated and sauce clings to strands. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Nordic Housewares Herb-Parmesan Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Nordic Housewares Herb-Parmesan Pasta?

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 fettuccine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nordic Housewares Herb-Parmesan Pasta?

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 Nordic Housewares Herb-Parmesan Pasta 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 Nordic Housewares Herb-Parmesan Pasta?

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.

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