Simple Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Parmesan and Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and refreshing pasta dish featuring lemon zest, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese for an easy weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, salt, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Parmesan and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Simple Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Parmesan and Basil?

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 Simple Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Parmesan and Basil?

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 Simple Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Parmesan and Basil 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 Simple Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Parmesan and Basil 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.

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