Herb Garden Pasta

Experience the ultimate celebration of freshness with Herb Garden Pasta, a vibrant dish bursting with the flavors of basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano. This quick and easy recipe features perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a light, aromatic sauce made with garlic-infused olive oil, zesty lemon, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes offers optional heat, making it customizable for every palate. Ready in just 25 minutes, this herbaceous pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet treat. Serve it with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread, and let the symphony of flavors transport you to an Italian countryside. Perfect for lovers of fresh herbs and simple yet sophisticated meals!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Stir in the chopped basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to release the aroma of the herbs.

Step 4

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat it with the herb mixture. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 5

Sprinkle the lemon zest and drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta. Toss well to combine.

Step 6

Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to evenly distribute it throughout the pasta.

Step 7

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, if desired, for a hint of spice.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1072.3 grams (1072.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1216

Total Fat 58.50g	75%
Saturated Fat 15.50g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 3244mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 128.80g	47%
Dietary Fiber 17.40g	62%
Total Sugars 5.80g
Protein 46.10g	92%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1062mg	82%
Iron 20mg	108%
Potassium 1898mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.9%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 42.0%