Giada's Lemon Spaghetti
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
541 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Giada's Lemon Spaghetti
Description
This pasta dish begins by cooking spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente. Meanwhile, a sauce is made by whisking extra virgin olive oil with fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, forming a smooth mixture that coats the pasta. When the spaghetti is drained, it’s transferred immediately to the bowl with the sauce, allowing some pasta water to help bind and thicken the sauce as it is tossed vigorously.
Freshly cracked salt and black pepper add seasoning. Sliced fresh basil leaves are added at the end for a bright herbal note, complemented by additional Parmesan cheese and lemon zest as garnish. The result is a pasta dish offering a balanced combination of creamy cheese, citrus brightness, and herbal freshness.
This dish is suitable for a light lunch or dinner on warm days or when a simple, fresh pasta is desired. It can be prepared quickly and served immediately to retain the bright and fresh flavors.
For convenience, the lemon sauce can be whisked ahead of time and refrigerated, while basil should be added just before serving to preserve its flavor and color.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1/2 cup basil leaves packed, sliced
- salt fresh cracked, to taste
- black pepper fresh cracked, to taste
- lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in lots of well salted water.
- Meanwhile whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
- When the pasta is cooked, transfer it with tongs to the bowl (it's ok if some of the pasta water comes with it.) Immediately toss vigorously to get all the pasta coated in the lemony olive oil mixture. Add a little more pasta water if needed. Add salt to taste, if necessary, and black pepper. Note: as you toss the spaghetti it will absorb some of the sauce.
- Add the fresh basil and give everything a last toss, and serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of cheese, lemon zest, and more fresh cracked black pepper.
Notes
- The lemon sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Slice the fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 541 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 541kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 183mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 206mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 193IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 152mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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