1- Creating this fresh basil pasta is straightforward and fun, taking about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook for a total of 30 minutes. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and melting 2 tablespoons of the salted butter with the lemon slices and minced garlic. Cook this for about 5 minutes until the lemon browns and the garlic is golden but not burnt, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

2- Once that’s done, remove the skillet from the heat and add another 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until it melts completely, then discard the lemon slices. While that’s happening, cook the 8 ounces of pasta, like farfalle, until it’s al dente according to the package instructions, and drain it. Add the pasta to the skillet and stir well, then mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

3- Continue cooking on low-medium heat for a few minutes, then remove from heat and season with salt if needed. Stir in half of the chopped fresh basil around 1 ounce if you’re using the base amount. Finally, serve the pasta topped with the remaining basil, the ½ cup of lightly toasted pine nuts, and some cracked black pepper. For the best results, serve it hot or at room temperature, and feel free to experiment with variations like adding proteins or switching herbs. To learn more about pasta cooking techniques, check out our basics of Italian pasta recipes guide on the site.