Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a touch of Parmesan cheese for a delightful burst of taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to create the base of the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden, being careful not to let it burn.
- Season the Sauce: Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the skillet, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly to coat each strand or piece with the garlic-infused olive oil.
- Incorporate Pasta Water: Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time while tossing, to help the sauce cling better to the pasta and maintain a silky texture.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice, which bring brightness and complexity to the dish.
- Combine Evenly: Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the vibrant sauce and herbs.
- Plate the Pasta: Transfer the pasta to serving plates, then sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their peak.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed; it helps the sauce bind to the pasta better.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh herbs are key to this dish’s bright flavor; feel free to increase their quantity according to taste.
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Serve immediately as the pasta is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
