Tomato-Basil Fettuccine with Lemon Zest
Fresh fettuccine tossed in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce with bright lemon notes, ready in 25 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs fettuccine, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 fettuccine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz diced tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt, simmering for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add 1/2 cup chopped basil and 1 tsp lemon zest, stirring until fragrant.
- Step 4: Toss drained fettuccine with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce clings to the pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and glossy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Fettuccine with Lemon Zest 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 Tomato-Basil Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?
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 Tomato-Basil Fettuccine with Lemon Zest 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 Tomato-Basil Fettuccine with Lemon Zest?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So flavorful and fresh, even with a quick cook time.
- ★★★★★
Perfect balance of tomato, basil, and lemon. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
The lemon zest really brightened the tomatoes. My family loved it for dinner.
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