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This lemon pesto pasta is a quick weeknight dinner getaway that comprises a no-cook pesto sauce, pasta of your choice, and some mozzarella for a cheesy burst of flavor!
This lemon pesto pasta recipe is my take on the OG Italian dish ‘spaghetti al pesto di limone’, which can be put together in less than 30 minutes.
It is fresh, creamy, and savory, thanks to the abundance of basil, pistachios, cheese, and of course lemon present in the pesto.
Besides being a scrumptious meal, it is also brimming with healthy elements such as vitamins B and C, calcium, and fiber.
So, you got a great dish that is ideal for a quick dinner or breakfast, that you can also serve as a snack at your late-night house party.
Seems like a ‘banger of a dish’ to me.
Tools You’ll Need
- Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: You can use only the skillet for boiling the pasta as well as making the dish.
- Spatula: To saute and stir.
- Strainer
Ingredients in This Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe
Lemon Pesto Sauce: It is a tangy, herby, and flavorful condiment brimming with the citrusy zing of the lemon, which is the heart and soul of this dish.
Spaghetti Pasta: I love using spaghetti pasta for its noodle-like shape, texture, and sauce-holding properties, but farfalle, penne, linguine, and fettuccine are also incredible choices to pair the sauce with.
Mozzarella Cheese: For a subtle hint of saltiness, and a ton of creaminess.
Water
Oil
Salt & Pepper
How to Make Lemon Pesto Pasta
Cook the Pasta:
Boil water in a pot, add salt and oil, and spaghetti after that. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes till al dante.
Reserve some pasta water, and sieve out the rest. Drizzle some oil, and sprinkle black pepper powder over the pasta to avoid them from sticking and intensify the flavors.
Make the Lemon Pesto Sauce:
See the recipe here.
Mix the Lemon Pesto with the Pasta:
In a skillet combine the pasta and the pesto, and add pasta water for consistency. Simmer for 30 seconds on low heat.
Garnish:
Garnish it with mozzarella cheese and your lemon pesto pasta is ready to be served.
Tips & Variations
Make it wholesome: For a heartier meal, fill the pasta with veggies like broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms, or add a few slices of grilled chicken, or fish to make it a protein-heavy delight that will fill you till the next meal.
Add more oomph: To make the pasta more appealing, top it with oregano and chili flakes. You can also garnish it with chopped parsley, and artichoke hearts, and substitute mozzarella cheese with parmesan to keep things fresh and interesting.
Serving Options
Meal: Savor the taste of this delicacy as a dinner with your family to get the most out of it. Pair it with peanut salad, or golden girl salad for a crunchy contrast of textures.
Pair with bread: Throw it together with a husk of crispy garlic bread and enjoy it as a snack.
How to Store
Refrigerator: Leftover pasta can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an air-sealed container.
Freezing: Looking for a way to store the pasta for a longer time, freeze it and it can last for up to 2 months easily.
Reheating: Thaw the pasta in the fridge, and then reheat it using a skillet. Add water if the pasta has stuck together.
Separate the pasta and sauce: Store the pasta and the pesto separately to not only maintain the same texture and flavor but also prolong the storage duration.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pesto Pasta
- It is creamy, delicious, and ready within 20 minutes.
- This pasta recipe incorporates only a few elements and ingredients that are easily accessible.
- It is a healthy dish loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium.
- You can swap out regular pasta with a gluten-free version.
More Pasta Recipes
- Pasta Alfredo Pesto
- Marinara Sauce Penne Pasta
- Penne Pasta With Alfredo Sauce
- Pistachio Pesto Pasta
- Mushroom Alfredo Pasta
- Lemon Garlic Pasta
- Maggi White Sauce Pasta
- Pink Sauce Pasta
Please rate and comment if you make this lemon pesto pasta so I know how much you like it.
Lemon Pesto Pasta ( Simple + Delicious )
Ingredients
For lemon pesto pasta:
- 1 cup lemon Pesto Sauce
- Cooked Pasta
- 2 tbsp Mozzarella Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot, add salt and oil, and spaghetti after that. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes till al dante.
- Reserve some pasta water, and sieve out the rest. Drizzle some oil, and sprinkle black pepper powder over the pasta to avoid them from sticking and intensify the flavors.
- Make the lemon pesto sauce by checking out the recipe here.
- In a skillet combine the pasta and the pesto, and add pasta water for consistency. Simmer for 30 seconds on low heat.
- Garnish it with mozzarella cheese and your lemon pesto pasta is ready to be served.
Notes
- Make it wholesome: For a heartier meal, fill the pasta with veggies like broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms, or add a few slices of grilled chicken, or fish to make it a protein-heavy delight that will fill you till the next meal.
- Add more oomph: To make the pasta more appealing, top it with oregano and chili flakes. You can also garnish it with chopped parsley, and artichoke hearts, and substitute mozzarella cheese with parmesan to keep things fresh and interesting.