Handcrafted Basil & Lemon Zest Tagliatelle

Name: Handcrafted Basil & Lemon Zest Tagliatelle
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Featured in Italian

Dive into the artisanal joy of making pasta by hand, infused with fresh basil and bright lemon zest, perfect for any season.

By Savannah

Updated on March 15, 2026

Dive into the artisanal joy of making pasta by hand, infused with fresh basil and bright lemon zest, perfect for any season. There's something truly magical about the way these flavors come together. Whether you're hosting a cozy weekend dinner or just treating yourself to a mid-week pick-me-up, this dish never fails to impress. Over the years, this has become a staple in my kitchen, evolved from a simple family favorite into the refined version you see here today. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Handcrafted Basil & Lemon Zest Tagliatelle

Dive into the artisanal joy of making pasta by hand, infused with fresh basil and bright lemon zest, perfect for any season.

cookingPrep Time25 mins

local_fire_departmentCook Time5 mins

scheduleTotal Time—

Category:Italian

Difficulty:Medium

Cuisine:Italian

Yield / Servings:4 people

Dietary Info:Healthy & Homemade

Ingredients

Servings4

Ingredients

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all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting: 2 cups

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eggs: 3 large

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finely chopped fresh basil: 0.25 cup

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lemon zest: 1 tablespoon

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salt: 1 teaspoon

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olive oil: 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Step 1

On a clean surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add the basil, lemon zest, and salt.

Step 2

Using a fork, whisk the eggs gently, gradually incorporating the flour starting from the inner rim of the well.

Step 3

Once combined, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a bit more flour.

Step 4

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 5

Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece out on a floured surface to about 1/16 inch thick.

Step 6

Cut the rolled dough into long strips about 1/4 inch wide for tagliatelle. Dust with a little flour to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 3-5 minutes until al dente.

Step 8

Drain and toss with olive oil or your favorite sauce before serving.

Notes

The first time I made pasta from scratch, I was in a tiny Italian village. The scent of fresh basil and the sunlit kitchen inspired this recipe, a reminder of those carefree days where food and laughter filled the air.

Chef's Technique

Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is crucial. This develops gluten, giving the pasta its structure and chew. The dough should spring back slightly when pressed.

Testing Tip

To ensure your pasta is the right thickness, hold it up to the light. It should be thin enough to almost see the shadow of your hand through it.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: Fresh basil is recommended for its vibrant flavor, but if necessary, use 1/3 the amount of dried basil.

Q: How do I store leftover pasta?
A: Dry the pasta thoroughly on a rack, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Q: What if my dough is too sticky?
A: Gradually incorporate more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is pliable and only slightly tacky.

Tools You'll Need

check_circleChef's Knife
check_circleCutting Board
check_circleMixing Bowls
check_circleMeasuring Cups & Spoons

Allergy Information

►Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories

450 kcal

Protein

15g

Carbs

55g

Fat

20g

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Handcrafted Basil & Lemon Zest Tagliatelle

Handcrafted Basil & Lemon Zest Tagliatelle

Ingredients

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Notes

Chef's Technique

Testing Tip

Common Questions

Tools You'll Need

Allergy Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Community Notes & Reviews