Description
This Lemon Basil Zucchini Pasta Alfredo Recipe offers a creamy, tangy twist on classic alfredo using fresh lemon and basil, combined with tender zucchini and fettuccine. A perfect vegetarian main course that’s bright, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes, ideal for summer dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 small zucchinis (spiralized or thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Herbs & Garnish
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- extra Parmesan and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine or your pasta of choice according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, keeping it ready for the sauce.
- Sauté the zucchini: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized or thinly sliced zucchini and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still retain some crispness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance without burning.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer to thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly and the cheese has melted fully into the cream.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with basil: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Serve: Plate the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves as desired for an inviting presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter creamy sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
- Use zucchini noodles exclusively instead of pasta for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for added protein and heartiness.
