Happy Friday friends! I hope everyone is doing well. I’m still on a lemon kick and wanted to create another lemon inspired dish. This week I’m sharing my Lemon Basil Spaghetti with Garlic Breadcrumbs. The lemon juice, zest, garlic and fresh basil really make this dish! This is undoubtedly the pasta dish of summer!! Enjoy the weekend 🙂

Lemon Basil Spaghetti with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 pound dry spaghetti

Oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 lemon, juiced

1/2 lemon, zested

1/3 cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons

2-3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon crushed pepper flakes (optional)

2/3 cup parmesan cheese

Salt

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente or for about 8 minutes. Drain spaghetti from pot. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for sauce. In a sauté pan, add butter and let it melt. Once butter is melted, add in garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until garlic is fragrant or for about 1-2 minutes. Add in lemon juice and zest and stir. Next, add in spaghetti and toss until well combined. Take the reserved pasta water and add in a little at a time to spaghetti. To the spaghetti mixture, add in parmesan cheese and basil. Toss spaghetti mixture until everything is combined. Remove pan from heat. Lastly, in a small pan over medium-high heat add oil. Add in panko bread crumbs and garlic powder. Toast the breadcrumbs until they get a little color. Take off heat. Transfer spaghetti to a bowl and sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over spaghetti. Garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy!