This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This easy lemon basil pasta recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but tastes special enough for date night!
Even better? It’s on the table in 15 minutes. It’s going to be one of your favorite pasta dinners!
There’s nothing that I love more than a fresh, home cooked meal that isn’t time consuming. As the girls get a little older, I find myself busier than ever trying to keep up with school, parental responsibilities and finding time for a little fun in between.
This time of year, I find myself making this easy lemon basil pasta. I’ve even got a Lemon Basil Pasta Salad that is wonderful for picnics and barbeques!
It’s light, refreshing and everyone enjoys it. Even better, I can make it from start to finish in about 15 minutes including time to chop basil and grate fresh parmesan!
If you love family friendly pasta dinners, don’t skip this incredible round-up of Chicken Pasta Recipes!
Lemon Basil Pasta
One night when we needed a quick dinner, I realized that I had butter, garlic, white wine and thought to myself… why not try a little lemon juice?
I garnished with fresh basil and parmesan (which is a staple in our home) and from that combination, one of our favorite new summertime recipes was born! It’s the perfect spring and summer pasta recipe so you can spend more time doing what you enjoy outdoors.
Why You’ll Love It
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pasta – Use your favorite noodle or make your own egg noodles! It also pairs well with Arugula Pasta
- Butter – Salted or unsalted, your preference, but we tend to use salted butter so we don’t need to add much extra at the end.
- Minced Garlic – Freshly minced or from a jar in the produce section of your grocer.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed or store bought (in produce section and juice aisle, will say 100% lemon juice).
- White Wine – Use your favorite, whatever you have on hand or white cooking wine. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio all work well.
- Basil – Fresh, sliced in thin strips.
- Parmesan – Fresh shavings of parmesan.
Variations
- Add Baked Chicken Breast or Lemon Chicken
- Spiedini is a delicious way to add protein, too
- Add Scallops
- Add Shrimp
- Add Grilled Tofu
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Add Red Pepper Flakes with Butter and Garlic for a Little Heat
How to Make Lemon Basil Pasta
- Make Pasta – Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare pasta. Strain.
- Make the Sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter and add garlic. Reduce heat, add lemon juice and wine. Stir until warm.
- Toss – Toss pasta with sauce.
- Garnish – Top with fresh grated parmesan and basil.
Tips
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and texture.
- Too tart? Add a hint of sugar or reduce the amount of lemon juice.
- Learn how to grate cheese for the freshest finish to all your pasta dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cut basil?
For this pasta recipe, you’ll want your basil to be in slender ribbons. It’s easiest to stack a few leaves and cut through them in strips, all at once! You can also use a pair of herb scissors to make it incredibly easy.
Why do you put lemon juice in pasta?
Fresh lemon juice is an incredible flavor enhancement! It’s sodium-free, vegan, and full of bright citrus flavor that no bottled seasoning or spice can match.
How to Store
- Room Temperature – This pasta can sit out at room temperature for up two hours while serving.
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Top with fresh basil when ready to serve.
- Freezer – Yes, you can freeze this basil pasta. Simply add to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Defrost slowly over low heat, adding a little veggie broth to loosen up the sauce.
Reheat
- In a saucepan over low-medium heat on your stove, warm this pasta for 5-6 minutes until heated through.
- If you’d like to loosen the sauce, add a little vegetable or chicken broth to the pot as it warms.
Serving Suggestions
This basil lemon pasta pairs well with so many fun side dishes and proteins!
Lemon Basil Pasta
Light and refreshing Lemon Basil Pasta made with staple ingredients and topped with fresh strips of basil for amazing flavor.
Yield
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter salted
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup white wine
- ¼ cup basil fresh, sliced thin
- ½ cup parmesan freshly grated
- 1 pound pasta
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salty water to a boil. Prepare noodles al dente.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Reduce to medium low heat.
- Add lemon juice and cooking wine, stir until warm.
- Toss with drained pasta.
- Top with parmesan and basil.
Tips
Optional Additions
- Baked Chicken Breast or Lemon Chicken
- Scallops
- Shrimp
- Grilled Tofu
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Add Red Pepper Flakes with Butter and Garlic for a Little Heat
To Store
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Top with fresh basil.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 385kcal (19%), Carbohydrates: 59g (20%), Protein: 13g (26%), Fat: 9g (14%), Saturated Fat: 5g (25%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 21mg (7%), Sodium: 184mg (8%), Potassium: 218mg (6%), Fiber: 3g (12%), Sugar: 3g (3%), Vitamin A: 294IU (6%), Vitamin C: 8mg (10%), Calcium: 122mg (12%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Anonymous says
Made this for a quick and easy lunch, threw in broccoli and leftover chicken and it was delicious.
Julie Blanner says
Thank you!
Patricia says
Love all of your recipes, simple with great taste
Heidi says
This has turned into one of our favorite recipes! We add grilled shrimp for some protein. It’s such a light & fresh sauce & so easy to prepare.
Julie Blanner says
Thank you, Heidi! I’m so glad you love it, too!
Jessi says
This recipe is delicious and so easy. Sometimes I’ll add grilled chicken or steamed veggies. Yum! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Alicia Storms says
This looks AMAZING!!! I will definitely try this at home.
Thank you so much for sharing this drooling recipe.
Keep sharing:)
Julie Blanner says
Thanks, Alicia! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!