Fresh & Flavorful Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe Perfect for Weeknights

If weeknight dinners feel like a chore, this lemon basil pasta with balsamic Brussels sprouts is here to change that. Packed with fresh flavors, crispy textures, and a zing of lemon, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe has all the charm of Mediterranean food, with a modern twist to keep things simple.

Why This Dish Is a Winner

Fresh & Flavorful Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe Perfect for Weeknights - Lemon Basil Pasta pin 1 midia

This recipe brings together two unlikely heroes: Brussels sprouts and lemon pasta. The combination creates a flavorful harmony that satisfies cravings while keeping things light and fresh.

  • Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet dish on your table.
  • Mediterranean Inspiration: Heart-healthy olive oil, aromatic basil, and tangy lemon zest embody the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With layers of textures from crispy prosciutto to creamy goat cheese, it’s guaranteed to impress even picky eaters.

This easy recipe takes advantage of everyday ingredients and turns them into a meal you’ll crave over and over again.

Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Basil Pasta

Getting this recipe right is all about timing and flavor balance. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

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  • Brussels Sprouts: Roast them until golden brown and caramelized for a sweet, nutty flavor that balances the acidity of the lemon.
  • Pasta Cooking Water: Reserve some starchy cooking water to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
  • Layering Flavors: Add zest and juice at the very end to preserve the brightness of the lemon.
  • Cheese Choices: Manchego adds a sharp edge, while goat cheese brings creaminess. Feel free to substitute with parmesan for a nuttier taste.

Customizing This Easy Recipe for Any Diet

This food recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit dietary preferences or restrictions.

  • Vegan Version: Swap the goat cheese and prosciutto for vegan alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, and roasted chickpeas make a great topping.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta without sacrificing texture or flavor.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.

These adjustments ensure you can enjoy this easy recipe no matter your dietary needs.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

Fresh & Flavorful Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe Perfect for Weeknights - Lemon Basil Pasta pin 2 midia

While this pasta is a star on its own, pairing it with complementary sides elevates it further:

  • Simple Green Salad: A crisp side salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect match.
  • Warm Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the citrusy notes of the pasta.

Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a dinner party centerpiece, this lemon basil pasta is a true Mediterranean-inspired delight. Keep this easy recipe in your rotation, and you’ll always have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal at your fingertips.

Fresh & Flavorful Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe Perfect for Weeknights - Lemon Basil Pasta midia

Easy Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe with Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

This easy lemon basil pasta recipe combines herby freshness with crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts and tangy balsamic glaze, perfect for a quick yet gourmet meal. With layers of pesto, goat cheese, and Manchego, this dish is both flavorful and visually stunning, all in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Baking sheet for prosciutto
  • Large skillet for Brussels sprouts

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1-pound box long-cut pasta bucatini or fettuccine
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts halved or quartered
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup lemon basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
  • cup grated Manchego cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F.
  • Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
  • Bake Prosciutto: Spread prosciutto on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (8 to 10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Add balsamic vinegar, jalapeño, and thyme, stirring until glazed (1 to 2 minutes).
  • Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, reserved water, pesto, goat cheese, Manchego, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Toss to combine, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve: Divide pasta among plates or bowls, topping each with crispy prosciutto.

Notes

  • Substitute pancetta for prosciutto if desired.
  • Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keyword easy Brussels sprouts pasta, Easy Food Recipes, Easy lemon pasta recipe, fast vegetarian pasta ideas, lemon basil pesto pasta, quick pasta recipes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
nancy
Author & Editor |  + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.