Williamsburg Herb Pasta with Lemon Zest

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

A vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh herbs and bright citrus notes, inspired by the bustling neighborhoods of Brooklyn. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily 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 extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 1 lemon zested and juiced, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, then serve immediately with additional parsley for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Williamsburg Herb Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Williamsburg Herb Pasta 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Williamsburg Herb Pasta 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 Williamsburg Herb Pasta 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 Williamsburg Herb Pasta 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.

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