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A large white bowl of long fusilli pasta with a lemon basil cream sauce on a white wooden counter top.

Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta

This creamy lemon basil pasta combines a velvety cream sauce, tangy lemon juice, and fresh basil creating an elegant and satisfying recipe that will leave everyone craving more.
5 from 5 votes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 545 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • cup grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large fresh basil sprig more for garnish
  • 16 ounces dried pasta any favorite shape

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk for about a minute to create a roux.
  • Gradually add in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the roux has completely dissolved. Add the basil sprig, allowing the cream to come to a low simmer for approximately five minutes until the sauce thickens. Remember to whisk frequently during this process.
  • Remove the basil sprig and sprinkle in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and salt. Continue whisking until the cheese has melted and blended into the sauce.
  • Slowly add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, whisking again until the flavors are fully incorporated.
  • Drain the cooked pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta. If the lemon sauce seems too thick, gradually add ¼th cup of the reserved pasta water at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
  • To serve, garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 cups cooked pastaCalories: 545kcalCarbohydrates: 65.3gProtein: 16.8gFat: 24.2gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 157mgSodium: 399mgPotassium: 276mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.5gCalcium: 131mg
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