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Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- For Garnishing:
- Extra herbs (parsley or basil)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Pop in the pasta and cook as per the packet, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Save half a cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for about a minute or two till it's fragrant and lightly golden; don’t let it burn. Add in lemon zest and red pepper flakes if you like some spice for another half a minute. Pour in lemon juice and reserved pasta water. Let it simmer for about two minutes so flavors mix well.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce: Toss drained pasta into the skillet with sauce. Coat every strand evenly. Take off heat and stir in chopped parsley, basil, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve It Up: Divide among plates or bowls. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese if you like more fancy and add extra herbs and lemon wedges too.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with some crusty bread or a green salad on the side to complete the meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Fresh herbs. They make all the difference here. If using dried ones instead, half them amount-wise.
- Pasta Water Magic: It binds sauce to noodles, giving them silky texture. Don’t skip this step.
- Garlic Watch: Don’t burn it. As soon as turns golden, put those other bits right away.
- Want Protein? Grill some chicken or shrimp or try tofu for extra bite before mixing into pasta at end.
- Veggies Galore: Add cherry tomatoes, Spinach, zucchini, and even peas. Just sauté these first, then add pasta later on.
- Crave Creaminess: A splash heavy cream before adding your cooked noodles will do wonders, making everything lush and rich.
- Spicy Lover: If you like more spicy, then add more red flakes or chopped fresh chili while cooking Garlic should hit spot perfectly fine.
Nutrition Info (pper serving)
- Calories: You will get 320 calories with this meal.
- Protein: An amount of 8 g of protein is obtained with this meal, in which protein is very important for muscle repair and growth.
- Fat: An amount of 14 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 45 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
- Sugars: A 2 g of sugar is contained here depending on the fruits and honey used.
- Fiber: 3 g of fiber is obtained.
- Cholesterol: 5 mg of cholesterol is gained here.
- Sodium: 150 g of sodium is used.
Fresh Herb Pasta with Garlic Lemon Sauce is light and full of flavor. It mixes fresh herbs with some lemon zing. This pasta can be whipped up fast for a weeknight meal or saved for something fancier. The bright tastes and colors make it a nice change from heavy, creamy sauces. Additionally, you can improve it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins.