Lemon Butter Herb Pasta

Ingredients and Weight:

• 250 grams of dried pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 100 grams of fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, and/or parsley)
• 100 grams of unsalted butter
• 3 large lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 200 grams of cooked chicken breast or shrimp (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3. Add the fresh herbs and cook for a minute or two, until the herbs are fragrant.
4. While the herbs are cooking, zest the lemon and juice it. Add the lemon juice and zest to the butter-herb mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the butter-herb mixture. Toss to combine.
7. If using chicken or shrimp, add them into the pasta mixture at this stage and mix well.
8. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Nutritional Information: (Based on the given ingredients and general nutrition facts)

• Calories: Approx. 500-600 per serving (depending on the added protein)
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Protein: 20-30g (with chicken or shrimp)

Dish Characteristics:

• Bright and fresh lemon flavor combined with rich butter and fragrant herbs.
• A perfect blend of sour, salty, and creamy flavors.
• The dish can be customized with different proteins or left as is for a vegetarian option.

User Comments:

1. "The lemon flavor was so refreshing in this dish!"
2. "The herbs added a nice depth of flavor."
3. "I added cooked shrimp for a protein boost, it was delicious!"
4. "A great dish for a summer evening."
5. "The pasta was cooked to perfection, not too soft, not too hard."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
• If using chicken or shrimp, make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the pasta.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs can be used but the flavor will be more mild.