Description
This Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta is a quick and delightful dish combining tender pasta with a luscious cream cheese and parmesan sauce, brightened by fresh lemon zest and aromatic basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers comforting flavors with a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces pasta (penne recommended)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 3 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large handful fresh basil, torn
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Onions: While the water is heating, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Make Sauce: Add the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously for a couple of minutes until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce. Then, mix in the grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency and Combine: Pour 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water into the sauce to thin it. If needed, add more pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Then, fold in the torn basil, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy lemon basil sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water prior to draining as it helps thin and emulsify the sauce perfectly.
- Use fresh basil and parsley for the best flavor and aroma.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest quantities to taste for more or less citrus brightness.
- If cream cheese is cold, it may clump when melting; ensure it is softened before adding.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with pecorino romano for a sharper taste.
