Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon And Garlic
Light and flavorful angel hair pasta with lemon, garlic, fresh tomato, and basil, perfect for a quick, vibrant vegetarian meal full of citrus and herb notes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped tomato
- 4 oz. dried spinach angel hair pasta
- 4 oz. dried semolina angel hair pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and cook the angel hair pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Put the olive oil and minced garlic in a saute pan and cook over medium heat until the garlic begins to brown.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the white wine.
- Return the pan to the heat and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the wine is reduced by half.
- Stir in the lemon juice and chopped tomato, then remove from heat.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, toss to coat.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. If you don't have dry white wine, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different taste. Fresh tomatoes work best, but canned diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch. Opt for gluten-free pasta if needed; the sauce pairs well with gluten-free angel hair.
Serving Suggestions
This dish serves well as a light main course, but you can pair it with a side salad for added freshness. Garlic bread or Parmesan Bread Slices are excellent accompaniments. A crisp white wine would complement the flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Baked Eggplant Parmigiano or Broccoli-Mushroom Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon And Garlic contains roughly 276 calories, with 13g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the reheated sauce. This ensures the pasta retains its texture while still enjoying the vibrant flavors of the sauce.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you're out of lemon juice, lime juice is a suitable substitute that will give a similar tanginess. Vinegar can be used as an alternative, though it may change the flavor profile slightly. Just be sure to use a mild vinegar to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Angel Hair Pasta with Lemon and Garlic is entirely vegetarian. It features fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a light and flavorful option for those following a vegetarian diet. For added protein, consider incorporating some sautéed vegetables or chickpeas.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).