Simple Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh Basil
A bright and light pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce with fresh lemon and basil, perfect for a quick, elegant dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 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 410 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
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp for pasta water, plus 1/2 tsp for sauce salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated, optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; sauté for 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Lemon-Garlic Spaghetti with Fresh 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 Spaghetti with Fresh 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 Spaghetti with Fresh 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 Spaghetti with Fresh 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 Spaghetti with Fresh 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.
