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When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes can rival the simplicity and flavor of a well-prepared pasta. Enter the Zesty One-Pot Lemon Basil Pasta, a delightful meal that seamlessly blends the bright, tart notes of lemon with the aromatic freshness of basil and the robust essence of garlic. This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds; it also embodies the essence of modern cooking by being effortless to prepare and easy to clean up afterward.

One-Pot Lemon Basil Pasta

Discover the delightful simplicity of Zesty One-Pot Lemon Basil Pasta, the perfect weeknight dinner that's bursting with flavor! This easy-to-make dish combines the bright tartness of lemon, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. With fresh ingredients and a focus on nutrition, this pasta not only tastes incredible but is also a healthy choice. Enjoy a home-cooked meal that brings comfort and joy to the table!

Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti or linguine

4 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 large lemon

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Freshly cracked black pepper, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    Add the spaghetti (or linguine), vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

      Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to create a creamy sauce.

        Once cooked, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

          Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined, adding a little more vegetable broth if the mixture is too thick.

            Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if desired.

              Serve hot, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delightful one-pot lemon basil pasta!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings