Summer Pasta Quick
Bright, fresh, and ready in just 25 minutes, "Summer Pasta Quick" is the ultimate go-to recipe for an effortless yet flavorful weeknight meal. This vibrant dish pairs al dente spaghetti with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a zesty lemon and garlic-infused olive oil dressing, creating a light and refreshing pasta perfect for warm weather. Tossed together with grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of optional red chili flakes for added depth, this easy summer pasta recipe strikes the ideal balance between tangy, savory, and slightly spicy. Perfect for dinner in a pinch, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and captures the essence of seasonal simplicity. Serve it as a standalone entrée or alongside a crisp salad for the ultimate summer dining experience.
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Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes
- 15 grams fresh basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic clove
- 50 grams parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the spaghetti cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside. Finely chop the garlic clove and freshly grate the parmesan cheese.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
Step 4
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the dressing. Toss gently to coat and allow the flavors to meld while the pasta finishes cooking.
Step 5
Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, immediately add it to the mixing bowl with the tomato and basil mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently fold it in until evenly distributed.
Step 7
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (159.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 697.9 |
| Total Fat 70.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 17.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 44.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 323.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 6.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.8g | |
| Protein 17.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 482.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 1.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 123.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories