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Explore the delightful world of pasta with this Zesty Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta recipe. This dish combines the freshness of basil, the richness of cream, and the tanginess of lemon, creating a harmonious blend that enchants the palate. The vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a versatile option for various occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta

Dive into the deliciousness of Zesty Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta! This recipe combines fresh basil, tangy lemon, rich cream, and toasted pine nuts for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this pasta is versatile and easy to make. Discover the simple preparation steps and ingredient tips that elevate this dish, making it a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or spaghetti

1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

    - Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Prepare the Pesto:

        - While the pasta is cooking, take a food processor and add the packed basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.

          Incorporate the Olive Oil:

            - With the food processor running on low speed, gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue to blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Next, add the lemon juice and zest, and pulse again until fully combined. Taste the pesto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

              Mix Pesto and Cream:

                - In a large mixing bowl, take the prepared pesto and mix it with the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended, creating a creamy mixture. If the consistency is too thick, slowly add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.

                  Combine Pasta and Sauce:

                    - Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the pesto cream sauce. Gently toss the pasta to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the zesty sauce. If the sauce needs to be loosened further, incorporate a bit more of the reserved pasta water until achieving your preferred texture.

                      Serve:

                        - Plate the creamy lemon pesto pasta in serving bowls or on individual plates. For an elegant touch, finish with a generous sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves as garnish. Serve immediately, enjoying this delightful and aromatic dish!

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings