Easy Lemon Pasta
In a world where time is precious and schedules are hectic, this lemon pasta recipe is a delicious lifesaver. It showcases the culinary magic that unfolds in the kitchen when one combines basic ingredients with a dash of creativity. And, as the name implies, the star of this show is none other than the humble lemon. This recipe seamlessly marries simplicity with sophistication by infusing a rich butter sauce with fresh lemon zest and juice! The sauce is then tossed with simple spaghetti and parmesan cheese to produce a dish with a zesty punch of flavor. Whether you serve this lemon pasta dish as a last-minute meal or at the fanciest dinner party, it never fails to impress!
Spaghetti: The hearty and satisfying core of the dish. Feel free to use any kind of noodles you like including gluten-free options. Olive Oil: Along with the butter, it forms the base of the sauce. For the most flavorful results, I recommend using extra virgin olive oil. Butter: Adds richness to the sauce. Always use unsalted butter in cooking to control the saltiness of the finished dish. Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a delightful pungent and savory depth of flavor. Lemon: Both the zest and juice provide the signature citrusy, tangy flavor that defines this lemon pasta recipe. Parmesan Cheese: Incorporated into the sauce to give it a salty and nutty richness while also helping it thicken and bind to the pasta. Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors. Fresh Parsley: Adds a vibrant pop of color and a touch of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the finished dish.
This recipe proves that you don’t need a culinary degree or hours to create something extraordinary. From start to finish, this easy pasta recipe takes less than 20 minutes! Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and then cook the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. Then reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining the noodles in a colander. You will need the water later in the recipe to achieve the ideal sauce consistency. While your pasta cooks, you can begin making the sauce. First, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Then once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and saute it for about 1 minute just until fragrant. Next, stir in the lemon juice and zest, and then remove the pan from the heat. After you’ve made the sauce, add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss together until fully coated in sauce. Now, stir in the grated Parmesan.At this point, if the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water. Then taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Once ready, garnish your lemon pasta with chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil if you prefer. Then serve it immediately as is or top it with some grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or baked shrimp if you like!
Storage
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of water to the lemon pasta and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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