On the hunt for a delicious weeknight meal? Look no further than this easy lemon pasta. On the table in less than 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder is vibrant, creamy, and a perfect burst of sunshine. Made up of mostly pantry staples, this dish can also be enjoyed year-round as a surprisingly light pasta side dish. It's perfect for accompanying baked salmon, chicken piccata, garlic cheese bread, or a green salad. Get ready to swirl a forkful of silky, lemony pasta!
What is lemon pasta?
Known in Italy as pasta al limone, lemon pasta is a staple dish in the citrus-producing regions of Amalfi, Sorrento, and Sicily. Similar in texture to alfredo sauce, this pasta sauce is made by emulsifying butter, parmesan, and starchy pasta water to create a delectably creamy sauce, but without a single drop of heavy cream! Using pasta water instead of cream also allows the lemon zest and juice to shine. This recipe simplifies the process even further by making it all in one-pot.
How do you make lemon pasta?
Start by cooking garlic and red pepper flakes in butter and olive oil until they are nice and fragrant. Add the pasta, water, and salt, and stir, stir, stir until the pasta is al dente and the water has boiled down to a silky, starchy sauce (don’t worry it only takes 10 minutes). After removing the pasta from the heat and stirring in salty parmesan, bright lemon zest, and vibrant lemon juice, this dish is ready for a healthy dose of basil and black pepper.
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- Yields:
- 4 - 6 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 25 mins
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp.
olive oil
- 2 tbsp.
unsalted butter
- 4
garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp.
red pepper flakes
- 1 lb.
dry spaghetti
- 2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1/2 c.
grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- 2 tbsp.
fresh lemon zest
- 1/4 c.
fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 c.
chopped fresh basil, plus more to serve
Freshly ground black pepper, to serve
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 6)
- Calories410 Fat13 gSaturated fat5 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol19 mgSodium262 mgCarbohydrates56 gFiber3 gSugar2 gProtein15 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium174 mgIron1 mgPotassium211 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Heat a large pot over medium heat; add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to foam, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
- Step 2Add the pasta, 6 cups of water, and salt to the pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
- Step 3Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil. Serve topped with more parmesan, basil, and black pepper.
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