Baked Lemon Basil Pasta - A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Dish

This Baked Lemon Basil Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. The combination of lemon, basil, and pasta creates a refreshing and aromatic dish that is perfect for any occasion. The pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, then mixed with a creamy sauce infused with lemon zest and fresh basil. Topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and baked to golden perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this flavorful pasta as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
9. Serve the Baked Lemon Basil Pasta as a main course or as a side dish. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts