Welcome, pasta lover. Today, I’m delighted to share a zesty and delicious recipe for 20-Minute Lemon Pesto Penne.
Imagine al dente penne pasta coated in a creamy lemon pesto sauce, topped with fresh herbs—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with bright flavors.
First, here is what you will see in this article.
Why I’m Sharing This 20-Minute Lemon Pesto Penne Recipe
I’m sharing this recipe for anyone seeking a delicious pasta dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
With the tangy zest of lemon and the aromatic richness of homemade pesto, this dish is sure to become a favorite among busy individuals looking for a quick and tasty meal option.
What Makes This Recipe the Best?
This 20-Minute Lemon Pesto Penne recipe stands out for its simplicity and vibrant flavors. By combining the citrusy brightness of lemon with the herbal richness of pesto, each bite of this dish is a burst of freshness and satisfaction. With minimal cooking time, it’s perfect for hectic weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients Needed
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
- 1/2 cup (120ml) prepared basil pesto
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Alternative Ingredients
Here are the alternatives fro some of the ingredients above.
| Ingredient | Variation |
| Penne pasta | Fusilli pasta |
| Basil pesto | Sun-dried tomato pesto |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano |
Step-By-Step Guide
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne until al dente, then drain.
- Make Lemon Pesto Sauce: Mix pesto, lemon zest, and juice.
- Sauté Garlic: Cook garlic until fragrant in olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss pasta with sauce and garlic.
- Season: Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- For added protein, toss in cooked chicken breast strips or grilled shrimp.
- Customize the dish with your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
Utensils Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sautéing garlic
- Whisk for combining lemon pesto sauce
- Serving plates and utensils
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the questions that are asked frequently about this recipe.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well in this recipe for added convenience. Choose a high-quality brand for optimal flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Keep the cooked pasta and lemon pesto sauce separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can. Simply use dairy-free pesto and omit the Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, feel free to use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Cook according to package instructions and proceed with the recipe as directed.
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You will find the recipe in full below 👇👇👇.
20-Minute Lemon Pesto Penne
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225g penne pasta
- ½ cup 120ml prepared basil pesto
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons 30ml olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup 30g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente, which means it's cooked but still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the prepared basil pesto with the zest and juice of one lemon. Stir well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The lemon zest will add a refreshing citrus aroma, while the lemon juice will provide a tangy flavor that complements the pesto perfectly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter if cooked for too long.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Pour the lemon pesto sauce over the pasta, ensuring that it coats each strand evenly. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to gently toss the pasta and sauce together, making sure that all the pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and season with salt and black pepper to taste. The Parmesan cheese will add a rich, savory flavor to the dish, while the salt and pepper will enhance the overall taste and balance the flavors.
- Divide the lemon pesto penne among serving plates. Garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal flavor. Serve the pasta immediately while it's still hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in cooked chicken breast strips or grilled shrimp.
- Customize the dish with your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
