Lemon Basil Noodles and Veggies

Bright, zesty, and bursting with garden-fresh flavor, Lemon Basil Noodles and Veggies is the ultimate quick and healthy dish to elevate your weeknight dinner routine. This vibrant recipe combines tender spaghetti or linguine with sautéed red bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and wilted spinach, creating a medley of textures and colors. Tossed in a light yet aromatic sauce made from fresh lemon juice, fragrant basil leaves, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this dish is a refreshing take on pasta that's perfect for spring and summer. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and customizable options like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, it's an easy vegetarian option that's as satisfying as it is delicious. Perfectly versatile, this dish is ideal for family meals or impressing guests with its stunning presentation and bold flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1 cup basil leaves, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.

Step 5

Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until wilted.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped basil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

Step 7

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the vegetables and mix well. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Basil Noodles and Veggies!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1227.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1138.6

Total Fat 44.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3134.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 16.4g
Protein 48.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1380.2mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 2185.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.9%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 48.4%