4.9 from 78 votes
Giada's Lemon Spaghetti
Giada's Lemon Spaghetti features cooked spaghetti tossed in a bright, tangy sauce made from extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil leaves and a garnish of lemon zest and extra Parmesan add a fresh, aromatic finish. The dish is light and flavorful, showcasing simple ingredients combined for a refreshing pasta meal.
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
541 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 541
% 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.