Description
A bright and flavorful lemon pasta recipe featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a zesty lemon, garlic, and olive oil sauce, enhanced with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti (cooked, with ½ cup pasta water reserved)
Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (plus more for serving)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more for salting pasta water)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Combine Ingredients: To the skillet, add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine, then add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss and cook for about 1 minute until the pasta is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts slightly and clings to the pasta, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Plate the lemon pasta, then garnish with additional fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese as desired. Season with black pepper to taste.
Notes
- This fresh lemon pasta is simple and quick to prepare, utilizing basic ingredients like garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water for a flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper quantity to control the amount of heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create a silky sauce that binds to the pasta.
- For added protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oz
- Calories: 292 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 151 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
