Description
This Lemon Basil Zucchini Pasta Alfredo is a fresh and creamy dish combining the brightness of lemon and basil with tender zucchini and a rich parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a spring or summer meal, this comforting pasta brings together vibrant flavors with a smooth, cheesy Alfredo sauce that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb linguine or fettuccine
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 lemon, sliced, seeds removed
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, very thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Dairy
- 6 tbsp salted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the linguine or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the chopped yellow onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Zucchini: Add the very thinly sliced zucchini (or yellow squash) to the skillet along with fresh thyme leaves. Cook until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add Lemon and Basil: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and lemon slices to the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 2 minutes. Remove the lemon slices before serving or leave them in for presentation if preferred.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Continue tossing and cooking for 1-2 minutes over low heat to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute linguine or fettuccine with any pasta shape of your choice.
- To make the dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, zest the lemon before slicing and add the zest during the sauce preparation.
- If dairy-free, substitute butter, cream, and parmesan with vegan alternatives, but note this will change the flavor profile.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the Alfredo sauce as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
