If you enjoy vibrant, fresh flavors coupled with cozy, buttery richness, this Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe will become your new go-to midweek dinner.
It has the ideal blend of tart lemon, savory garlic, rich butter, and fragrant basil, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta.
The freshness of the herbs, along with the crunch of the toasted pine nuts, creates a delicious texture and flavor experience that is both decadent and refreshing.
Believe me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You Will Need
This Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe stands out due to its surprisingly simple but important ingredients.
Each plays an important role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so appealing.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter: Adds rich depth and forms the silky base of the lemon garlic sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- 5 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Delivers a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall savory profile.
- ½ Meyer lemon (thinly sliced): Brings bright citrus freshness with a subtle natural sweetness that balances the butter.
- 8 oz farfalle or bow-tie pasta: Ideal shape for holding onto the buttery sauce while providing a tender yet satisfying bite.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that melts smoothly into the warm sauce.
- 2 oz fresh basil (plus extra for garnish): Infuses herbaceous freshness and vibrant green color into the dish.
- ½ cup toasted pine nuts: Provides a delicate crunch and buttery nuttiness that complements the creamy texture.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors in the final dish.
How to Prepare Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Infuse butter with lemon and garlic.
Begin by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and melting 2 tablespoons salted butter. Combine the thinly sliced Meyer lemon and finely minced garlic. Allow this combination to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the lemon slices have caramelized and released their delicious juices, and the garlic has turned golden but not burned. This step is critical because it results in a foundation brimming with vibrant and delicious fragrances. When finished, remove from the pan and toss in 2 more tablespoons butter until melted; then set aside the lemon segments.
Step 2: cook the pasta al dente.
While the butter infuses, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook your farfalle pasta just until al dente, according to the package instructions. Remember that the pasta should have a tiny bite to it so that it can withstand being tossed in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and prepare for the magical touch.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Flavored Butter.
Place the heated, drained pasta straight in the cast-iron skillet with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Toss thoroughly, coating each piece of pasta in the rich, fragrant sauce. The heat allows the pasta to absorb the buttery, citrus-infused tastes, ensuring that each bite is wonderful.
Step 4: Melt in butter and parmesan.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring gently over low to medium heat for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to melt completely and binds the sauce to the pasta, resulting in a creamy, silky texture. At this point, taste and season with salt as needed to achieve a harmonious balance of tastes.
Step 5: Add fresh basil.
Cut half of the fresh basil leaves and fold them into the heated spaghetti. The residual heat slowly releases basil’s fragrant oils, providing the dish with an irresistibly fresh, herbaceous flavor that doesn’t overshadow the lemon butter foundation.
Step 6: Garnish and serve.
Finally, when ready to serve, top the pasta with the remaining fresh basil, a big handful of toasted pine nuts for an extra nutty crunch, and a crack or two of black pepper. These modest finishing touches lift this dish to exceptional.
How To Serve Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and roasted pine nuts provide color and texture to each bite, making it more fascinating. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of lemon zest can help enliven your final display, beckoning everyone to delve in excitedly.
Side Dishes
This pasta combines well with simple sides like a fresh green salad dressed in a mild vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. The freshness of these accompaniments wonderfully complements the pasta’s buttery, lemony tastes while not dominating them.
Creative ways to present
Plate your spaghetti in wide, shallow bowls to highlight its rich colors and textures. You may also sprinkle some more lemon butter sauce over the rim or place a sprig of fresh basil on top for delicious decoration. Sharing this as part of a family meal allows everyone to enjoy the dish’s lovely aroma and welcoming appearance before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers.
Leftover Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors may soften a little, but the dish will remain excellent and simple to reheat.
Freezing
Freezing butter-based pasta meals is rarely recommended because the texture of the pasta and sauce can vary when thawed. If you opt to freeze, do it in a firmly sealed container and eat within a month for the greatest flavor. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, cook the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding water or stock as required to soften the sauce. Avoid using high heat or microwave reheating, since these might cause the butter to separate and alter the texture of the pasta. Reheating slowly retains the delectable sauce in the same way that you loved it fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other pastas except farfalle?
Absolutely! While farfalle is ideal for soaking up the sauce, you may also use penne, fusilli, or linguine. Choose what you have on hand or your favorite type; the sauce works well with a variety of pastas.
If I don’t have Meyer lemons, what can I substitute?
If Meyer lemons are not available, ordinary lemons can be used instead. Their fresh acidity complements the buttery sauce wonderfully, but Meyer lemons have a little sweeter, less acidic flavor that provides a unique twist.
Is this recipe acceptable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian because it does not contain any meat or fish. Just make sure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly, as some kinds include animal rennet.
How crucial is toasting pine nuts?
Toasting the pine nuts dramatically improves their flavor, creating a toasty, nutty richness that adds dimension to the dish. It’s a simple step that produces a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based equivalent and add a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for the cheesy taste. The fresh basil and lemon garlic sauce will continue to shine and offer an incredible flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Basil Pasta with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a unique combination of simplicity and elegance. It transforms simple items into a delicious dish that is both cozy and refreshing.
I am convinced you will fall in love with its vibrant tastes and velvety texture, just like I did. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this delectable pasta dish—you won’t be disappointed!