Spring Pasta with Lemon Pesto

Name: Spring Pasta with Lemon Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or your pasta of choice; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

I love the vibrant flavors of Spring Pasta with Lemon Pesto! The combination of fresh ingredients and bright, zesty flavors brings a taste of the season right to my plate. This dish is incredibly easy to make, allowing me to whip it up on a busy weeknight or impress guests at a gathering. The homemade lemon pesto adds a refreshing twist that elevates the dish, and I can’t resist the way it perfectly coats each strand of pasta. It’s a delightful and satisfying meal that never fails to brighten my day.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-04T17:49:27.609Z

When I first made Spring Pasta with Lemon Pesto, I was surprised by how bright and fresh it tasted. I bought the ingredients from my local farmer's market, ensuring I had the freshest basil and lemons available. This made all the difference! The zesty lemon brings a wonderful brightness that pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of the pasta.

I learned that lightly toasting the pine nuts before blending them into the pesto adds a depth of flavor that contrasts nicely with the acidity of the lemon. If you're in a hurry, a store-bought pesto can work, but making it fresh is worth the extra minute or two.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and refreshing lemon flavor that energizes your palate
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Uses seasonal ingredients that celebrate spring

Cooking the Perfect Pasta

For a flawless pasta dish, it's essential to cook your spaghetti to the right texture. Begin with a large pot of water, ideally seasoned generously with salt, which not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent the pasta from becoming sticky. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti, cooking it according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. It's crucial to taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time; you want it firm yet tender, providing a pleasant bite that holds the pesto beautifully.

When draining the pasta, remember to reserve about one cup of the starchy cooking water. This water can be a game-changer when mixing your pasta with the lemon pesto, as it helps bind the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency without the need for additional cream. If the pasta clumps together after draining, a quick toss with a drizzle of olive oil can help separate the strands while adding flavor.

Perfecting Your Lemon Pesto

The magic of this dish truly lies in the homemade lemon pesto. As you blend the basil leaves, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts together, you'll notice the vibrant green color and fresh aroma infuse the air. It's important to toast the pine nuts beforehand; this not only enhances their flavor, making them richer and nuttier, but also adds a delightful crunch to the pesto's texture. If you don't have pine nuts, you can substitute them with walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

To ensure your pesto reaches the ideal consistency, add the olive oil slowly while the processor is running. This emulsion process helps to create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta. Adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water afterward allows you to customize the sauce to your liking; aim for a silky texture that lightly coats the spaghetti without being overly runny.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Spring Pasta with Lemon Pesto, garnishing is key. Fresh cherry tomatoes, halved and scattered on top, not only add a pop of color to the dish but also provide a burst of juiciness that complements the zesty flavors of the pesto. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating other vibrant vegetables, such as blistered asparagus or sautéed spinach, to introduce more textures and flavors while celebrating spring's bounty.

This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Preparing it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or picnics. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess and enjoy another delightful meal without the hassle!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful bowl of Spring Pasta with Lemon Pesto.

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or your pasta of choice
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Spring Pasta with Lemon Pesto.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

In the pot, toss the warm pasta with the lemon pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy consistency. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and additional Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your vibrant dish that captures the essence of spring!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the pesto or serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Feel free to get creative with the pasta choice for this dish. While spaghetti is traditional, other shapes like fusilli or penne can also hold the pesto well, making the dish fun and visually appealing. This flexibility allows you to use what you have on hand or choose a pasta that complements your taste preferences or dietary needs, such as gluten-free options available in most stores.

If you're looking to adjust the flavor profile, consider adding a handful of arugula or spinach into the food processor while making the pesto for a peppery bite or extra green goodness. You can also swap traditional Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this dish suitable for vegan diets, allowing everyone to enjoy the fresh flavors of spring without compromising dietary restrictions.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing your lemon pesto in advance can significantly reduce cooking time for a busy weeknight. You can store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it in an ice cube tray for portioned servings. Just remember to drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before sealing to help prevent browning. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw or warm it gently over low heat, adding freshly cooked pasta directly into the mix for a quick dinner solution.

If you're planning to serve this for a gathering, the fully assembled dish can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. Just be sure to keep the pasta warm by covering it and placing it in an oven preheated to the lowest setting. This will ensure your Spring Pasta retains its delightful flavors, while allowing you to focus on hosting your guests and enjoying the atmosphere.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making pesto is achieving the desired consistency. If your pesto turns out too thick, adding a bit more olive oil or some reserved pasta water can help achieve that creamy, coating texture that's so satisfying. Conversely, if it's too loose, a quick fix is to blend in a little more Parmesan or some additional nuts to thicken it up.

Another potential hiccup might be the flavor balance in your pasta. If you find the lemon flavor is too overpowering, mixing in a tablespoon of honey can mellow it out beautifully. Taste as you go! Remember, cooking is as much about adjusting on the fly as it is about following a recipe, and your personal touch will make the dish uniquely yours.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pesto a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and drizzle a little olive oil on top to preserve its color.

→ What pasta can I use for this recipe?

Any pasta works well, but I recommend using spaghetti, fettuccine, or a similar shape that holds sauce well.

→ Can I substitute ingredients in the pesto?

Absolutely! If you're allergic to nuts, try using sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts. Nutritional yeast can also replace Parmesan for a dairy-free option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of olive oil.