The creamy sauce is lightened up with fresh lemon juice and zest, making each bite zesty and vibrant. The chicken adds heartiness, and the fresh basil brings a fragrant herbal finish. Best of all, its made in just 30 minutes and uses simple ingredients I usually already have on hand.
Incorporate fresh basil leaves, a generous pinch of salt, the zest of a lemon, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir to combine and add the juice of half a lemon.

Lemon basil tortellini combines zesty lemon, fresh basil, and cheese tortellini in a creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes for any dinner!Why Lemon Basil Tortellini is the Perfect Weeknight Meal. The Appeal of Lemon and Basil in Pasta Dishes.

Lemon zest and basil leaves added to pasta in pan.She tossed the squeezed lemon halves with the pasta, instead of zesting them. The lemon halves still have the bitter white pith in them and can be unpleasant to the taste. Adding the zest makes the dish brighter.

Lemon juice, lemon zest, pasta, and Parmesan cheese were essentials, while extra-virgin olive oil, butter, heavy cream, and basil were the variables.Because this recipe is so simple, it is important to use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and fresh basil here.
NotesUse fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.