Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta Recipe- Italian Special
Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta is a bright and flavorful Italian pasta recipe that balances fresh herbs, citrusy lemon, and creamy pesto. Packed with basil and parsley, this dish delivers a burst of herbal freshness, while garlic, nuts, and olive oil bring richness and depth. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, it’s quick to prepare yet feels elegant. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, the zesty lemon and herb notes make each bite memorable.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time30 min
Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)
How to make Lemon Herb Pesto Pasta :
Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Serve: Garnish with cherry tomatoes if desired, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Storage Tips: Pesto can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week without losing much flavor. Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep well for up to 3 days when chilled.
Customization Options: Feel free to stir in vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and texture.
Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to nuts or looking for lighter options, substitute pine nuts or walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some pasta cooking water—adding it gradually helps loosen the pesto and make the sauce silky without diluting flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for color and a fresh burst, and finish with extra lemon zest or crack of pepper for an extra kick.
