Description
This fresh and vibrant Lemon Pasta recipe is a quick and simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant blend of garlic, olive oil, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice, finished with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that coats the noodles beautifully, making this a light yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (from cooking spaghetti)
Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for serving)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t brown.
- Add lemon and seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and the reserved pasta water. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Toss the pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, tossing constantly so the pasta absorbs the lemon sauce and is heated through.
- Finish with cheese: Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and clings to the pasta creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a grind of black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This fresh lemon pasta is simple to make with just a few basic ingredients: garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when cooking in the olive oil; cook just until fragrant.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper according to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- For a creamier dish, add a splash of pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the pasta and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oz cooked pasta
- 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
