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Lemon Pesto Pasta

A delightful and refreshing pasta dish combining bright lemon, aromatic basil, and savory cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh basil Provide an aromatic base full of freshness.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest Adds a zesty brightness.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Juicy and tangy.
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts Or pumpkin seeds if nut-free.
  • 2 cloves garlic Gives extra flavor.
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Helps bring the pesto together.
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese Or nutritional yeast if vegan.
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper Adds a hint of spice.
For the Pasta
  • 16 ounces pasta Rotini, fusilli, penne, choose your favorite shape.
  • 1 tablespoon salt For pasta water.

Method
 

Prepare the Lemon Pesto Sauce
  1. Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves thoroughly.
  2. Toss the cleaned leaves into a food processor along with the lemon zest and lemon juice.
  3. Add the pine nuts (or pumpkin seeds) and garlic cloves to the processor.
  4. Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped.
  5. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until well-coated but still chunky.
  6. Add the parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), salt, and pepper. Blend until all ingredients are combined.
Boil the Pasta
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt.
  2. Once boiling, add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, generally between 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the cooked pasta.
  4. Set the drained pasta aside.
Prepare the Pesto Pasta
  1. In a large pan over medium-low heat, add the prepared pesto and a small amount of the reserved pasta water.
  2. Heat the pesto for about one minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat each piece in the pesto sauce.
  4. Remove from heat and plate. Your Lemon Pesto Pasta is now ready to serve.

Notes

For extra creaminess, blend in reserved pasta water when mixing with pesto. Toast pine nuts for a nuttier flavor. Add seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition. Serve with a side salad or grilled protein if desired.