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Quick Brown Butter Lemon Pasta with Parmesan and Basil

brown butter lemon pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring nutty browned butter, bright lemon, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful recipe combines simple ingredients for a comforting yet fresh meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz dry pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about one medium lemon)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade or roughly torn
  • Salt, to season pasta water and adjust seasoning
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, zest the lemon and squeeze out 2 tablespoons of juice. Wash basil leaves, pat dry, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir gently as it foams and begins to brown, turning golden and smelling nutty (about 4-5 minutes). Add red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Do not rinse the pasta.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with browned butter. Toss to coat well. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and half the basil. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Plate the pasta and garnish with remaining basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning; it should be a warm amber color with a nutty aroma. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add lemon zest before juice to avoid bitterness. Freshly grate Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and Parmesan with vegan alternative. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter pasta, lemon pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, Parmesan pasta, basil pasta, simple pasta dish

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/quick-brown-butter-lemon-pasta-with-parmesan-and-basil-easy-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/