Description
This Lemon Basil Zucchini Pasta Alfredo is a creamy and refreshing vegetarian Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Featuring tender sautéed zucchini, a rich lemon-infused Alfredo sauce, and fresh basil, this recipe offers a deliciously light twist on traditional Alfredo pasta while maintaining comforting creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 small zucchinis (spiralized or thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Zucchini and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized or thinly sliced zucchini and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and zucchini. Toss everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to desired consistency. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and a more substantial meal.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, add a bit more lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
