Chilled Lemon Basil Pasta
This refreshing Chilled Lemon Basil Pasta is a perfect dish for hot days or any occasion where you want a light meal bursting with flavor. The combination of zesty lemon, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a delightful dish that's simple yet satisfying.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 grater
- 1 large spoon or spatula
- 1 serving plates
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium lemons juice and zest
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- as needed cherry tomatoes halved for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Once the pasta is cool, add it to the mixing bowl with the lemon dressing. Toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the basil and cheese are evenly distributed.
- If desired, add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and additional flavor.
- Serve the pasta chilled, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.
- For enhanced flavor, consider preparing this dish a few hours in advance and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator.
Notes
For a heartier version, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp.
This dish can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon and basil to suit your taste preferences.