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Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy lemon basil pasta with cherry tomatoes that balances bright citrus flavors with a rich, silky sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 pint (about 300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chopped
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional dairy-free substitutions: coconut milk instead of cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Save 1 cup (240 ml) of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and stir, letting it warm and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. Add the lemon zest and juice from 1 large lemon, stirring to combine.
  5. Stir in ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Toss in 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, stirring to distribute evenly.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all noodles. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. For a little extra zing, sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Add lemon juice off the heat or at the end to prevent the cream sauce from curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Fresh basil is preferred over dried for brightness. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon basil pasta, cherry tomatoes pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta sauce, lemon pasta, basil pasta, homemade pasta sauce

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-lemon-basil-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cherry-tomatoes/