15-Minute Creamy Garlic Basil Pasta

15-Minute Creamy Garlic Basil Pasta

Total Time
1h 19m
25m prep · 54m cook
Servings
4 people
Rating
Difficulty
Medium
28 views

This 15-minute creamy garlic basil pasta sauce is a smooth, zesty alternative to traditional Alfredo—it's light and fresh thanks to vibrant basil and a splash of lemon. Serve with pasta and shrimp, or use the sauce on top of vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 cups basil leaves
  • crushed Aleppo chile flakes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, melt butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; stir just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Stir cornstarch and evaporated milk together in a cup until smooth. Pour into the pan; bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt, and simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce is desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Stir in fresh basil just before serving. Serve sauce over cooked pasta and garnish with chile flakes.

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving

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