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Lemon Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This lemon pasta recipe is a fresh and bright take on classic Italian pasta al limone. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features spaghetti tossed in a silky lemon, butter, and Parmesan sauce, making it a perfect quick and delicious weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into pats
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest, plus more for garnish
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last few minutes of cooking, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Prepare Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter foams, reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat if the pasta is still cooking.
  3. Toss Pasta in Sauce: When the pasta is al dente, use tongs to transfer it directly to the skillet with the butter and lemon mixture. Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss over low heat until a creamy sauce forms and coats the pasta lightly.
  4. Add Cheese and Lemon: Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and toss to incorporate. Then add the fresh lemon juice and the remaining cheese, tossing again until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick or clumpy, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
  5. Season and Serve: Season the pasta to taste with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and additional lemon juice if desired. Garnish with extra lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; cook just until fragrant.
  • Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce for perfect texture.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, fresh flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste at the end.
  • Try garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and freshness.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/lemon-pasta-recipe/