Ah, spaghetti—who doesn’t love its comforting twirl? But this isn’t just any spaghetti; it’s a citrusy, herby delight that gives a nod to summer gardens and lazy Sunday afternoons. Imagine the zesty dance of lemon with the aromatic embrace of basil, each forkful a little celebration, punctuated by the unexpected crunch of almonds.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for 6-9 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool.
- Fill a large stockpot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil or butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté it for 2-4 minutes until it turns lightly golden and releases a fragrant aroma. Remove the pan from heat and mix in the lemon juice and toasted almonds.
- Place the drained pasta back into the stockpot. Add the sautéed garlic mixture and the fresh basil leaves, then toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve the pasta immediately, enhancing it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest as desired. Enjoy the fresh and savory flavors of the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole natural almonds, roughly chopped
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti (or other pasta type)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, julienned or roughly chopped, loosely packed
- Optional toppings: freshly grated Parmesan and lemon zest
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute almonds with other nuts such as walnuts, pine nuts, or pecans. Just make sure to toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this Lemon Basil Spaghetti recipe?
- Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- How can I make this recipe vegan?
- To make this recipe vegan, simply use olive oil instead of butter and omit the Parmesan cheese, or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance. Toast the almonds and store them in an airtight container, and cook the pasta just before serving to maintain its texture.
- What can I serve alongside this pasta dish?
- This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. A side of crusty bread would also complement the dish nicely.
Tips
- Toast the almonds until they are lightly golden and fragrant to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the pasta dish.
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente to ensure it has the perfect texture when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Saute the garlic in olive oil until it turns lightly golden to release its rich aroma and flavor, which complements the lemon-basil combination.
- Garnish the dish with freshly-grated Parmesan and lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of freshness.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – for toasting the almonds.
- Large Stockpot – for cooking the pasta.
- Saute Pan – for sautéing garlic and mixing ingredients.
