Pixel-Perfect Lemon Herb Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A vibrant dish featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a creamy garlic-herb sauce with a hint of lemon, finished with fresh basil for a refreshing touch. This Italian pasta recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 tsp black pepper, simmering for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand and becomes creamy.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and additional black pepper to taste, then serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.

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