Description
Learn how to make delicious pasta recipe lemon. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Feel free to substitute parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor, or add a handful of toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for that vibrant zing.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Stir in the lemon zest and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the oils from the zest to infuse the olive oil.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, followed by the lemon juice and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
- Finish with the fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Toss once more and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: pasta recipe lemon, recipe, cooking, food
