Pasta Sauce With Fresh Herbs
A light, herb-infused pasta sauce with fresh herbs and lemon, perfect for summery meals or a quick, flavorful vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 2 heaping tablespoons fresh basil, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh marjoram, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta or linguine ⓘ
- fresh Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over low heat.
- When oil is hot, but not smoking, remove pan from heat.
- Add lemon juice, chives, thyme, basil, marjoram, salt, and pepper to the oil.
- Toss the herb-infused oil with cooked angel hair pasta or linguine.
- Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese and serve at once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb-infused oil. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by about two-thirds. This sauce is incredibly versatile; try it with other pastas like fettuccine or even with a salad for a fresh touch. Pairing this dish with a garlic bread twist can elevate your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread twists for a complete meal. For a light dessert, consider Aunt Goldie’s biscotti to complement the meal. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid using a microwave as it can alter the texture of the herbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Sauce With Fresh Herbs contains roughly 222 calories, with 18g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (122% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1840mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
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 sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb-infused oil in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before tossing it with your pasta, as the oil may solidify when chilled.
What type of pasta works best for this sauce?
While angel hair is recommended, linguine is also a fantastic choice due to its ability to hold the sauce well. You can experiment with other pasta types, but thinner strands like spaghetti or fettuccine will deliver the best results.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed zucchini, or spinach can complement the fresh herbs beautifully. Adding vegetables not only increases the nutritional value but also enhances the dish's flavor and texture.
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).