Lemon Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
292 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Pasta Recipe
Description
This Lemon Pasta Recipe uses cooked spaghetti combined with an olive oil-based sauce infused with minced garlic, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, lemon zest and juice, and a pinch of salt. Reserved pasta cooking water is added to loosen and blend the sauce with the pasta. Finishing with Parmesan cheese binds the flavors and adds creaminess without heavy sauce. The dish balances citrus freshness with subtle heat, herbaceous notes, and savory umami from the cheese.
The pasta is heated just enough in the sauce to maintain a firm texture and to marry the flavors. Garnishes of extra parsley and cheese can be added for presentation and taste. This pasta makes a good light lunch or dinner and pairs well with simple side dishes or as part of a larger meal.
While best served immediately to preserve the texture and flavor, leftovers will keep for a couple of days refrigerated and can be reheated gently with added water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the texture deteriorates, becoming mushy after thawing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked (with ½ cup pasta water reserved)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 tablespoons parsley plus more for serving, fresh
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more for salting pasta water
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving, freshly grated
- black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in a pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the cooking pasta liquid.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, parsley and crushed red pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, cooking pasta liquid and pasta and cook until the pasta is heated through, about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the parmesan cheese until it clings to the pasta.
- Serve with extra parsley and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated 2-3 days; reheat with added water to loosen sauce.
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture becomes mushy after thawing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 292 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2oz | |
| Calories | 292kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 151mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 155mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 182IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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