![The heart of my Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta is fresh basil. I use 2 cups of tightly packed leaves. Fresh basil gives a bright flavor that shines. Pine nuts are my choice for nuts. I toast 1/2 cup until golden. This step adds depth and warmth. If you don't have pine nuts, try walnuts or almonds. You will need just a few more items. Start with 2 cloves of peeled garlic for that bold taste. Zest and juice from 1 large lemon add freshness. I also use 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil for creaminess. Finally, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings richness. Don't forget sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For the pasta, I like 12 oz of spaghetti or any pasta you love. Garnishes can elevate your dish. I often add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for color. Extra fresh basil leaves bring a lovely touch too. For an even richer taste, drizzle some extra olive oil on top. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese before serving. These little extras make each bite special. For the full recipe, follow the steps I've outlined above. To make the pesto, gather your fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Place these in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely chopped. This helps to release the flavors. Next, while the processor runs, add the olive oil slowly. Keep blending until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse again until it blends well. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Set your pesto aside for now. Fill a large pot with water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook the pasta based on the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means firm to the bite. Before draining, save about 1 cup of the starchy water. After that, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the pesto over the warm pasta. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the pesto. If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until you reach the creamy texture you want. To finish, transfer your pasta to serving plates. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta! For the full recipe, check out the step-by-step guide above. To get the best pesto, focus on blending. Start with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse them together until they are coarsely chopped. Next, slowly add olive oil while blending. This step makes the pesto creamy. If it's too thick, add a bit of the pasta water. This water helps thin it and adds flavor. Cooking pasta al dente means it has a slight bite. Use a large pot with plenty of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Check the cooking time on the package. Drain it once it's ready, but save some pasta water. This water is starchy and helps your sauce stick. Seasoning is key to a great dish. After making your pesto, taste it. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. You can also add more lemon juice for brightness. When combining the pesto with pasta, use the reserved pasta water. This ties everything together, making it even tastier. For the complete Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can swap some ingredients in Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta to fit your taste. If you don’t have pine nuts, try walnuts or almonds. They add a nice crunch. For those who can't have cheese, use a vegan option like nutritional yeast. If lemon is too tart, lime juice works well too. This keeps the fresh flavor but changes it slightly. Want to make your pasta heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs great with the pesto. Simply cook them separately, then toss them with the pasta. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the flavors nicely and add a good texture. Seasonal veggies can brighten your dish. In summer, cherry tomatoes and zucchini add freshness. In fall, roasted butternut squash brings warmth. You can stir these in at the end or serve them on top. This adds color and makes your meal more nutritious. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover pesto, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps keep the pesto fresh and bright. It will last in the fridge for about five days. If you see any browning, just stir it in before using. When reheating the pasta, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Heat over low heat, stirring gently until warm. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. Stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Freezing pesto is simple and smart! You can freeze it in ice cube trays. This way, you can use just the right amount later. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. It will last for about three months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. This keeps the flavor fresh and tasty for your next meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. If you don't have pine nuts, you can use other nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well. They all add a nice crunch and flavor. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin are great too. Just toast them for extra taste. Homemade pesto can last about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps prevent browning. Yes, you can easily make this pasta vegan. Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. Nutritional yeast is a great choice for a cheesy flavor. You can also add more nuts for creaminess. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! This blog post covered how to make a tasty pesto pasta dish. We discussed the key ingredients like fresh basil and nuts, plus optional garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions, from preparing the pesto to cooking the pasta. Tips on getting the right consistency and flavor were included too. In the end, it's easy to adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy exploring different variations and storage tips. Now, it’s your turn to create your perfect pesto pasta!](https://yumymoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/50578a5f-af19-4ae9-afbb-504869a87fb0-250x250.webp)
Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta! Packed with fresh basil, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Discover the simple steps to make this vibrant pasta, plus tips for stunning presentation.