Lemon Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
365 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
Lemon Spaghetti
Description
This Lemon Spaghetti recipe begins by cooking spaghetti according to package directions, reserving some pasta water before draining. Fresh lemons provide both zest and juice, combined with olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to create a bright sauce. The spaghetti is tossed with this sauce, with reserved pasta water gradually added to achieve a smooth, slightly thickened coating that clings to the noodles.
Finishing touches include additional basil, lemon zest, Parmesan, and seasoning to enhance the dish's fresh flavor profile. The dish emphasizes the natural brightness of lemon combined with savory cheese and aromatic basil, offering a simple yet flavorful pasta option.
This pasta works well for quick meals and leftovers reheat nicely. Adding vegetables like broccoli or proteins such as sliced chicken or salmon pairs well for more substantial dishes. The recipe's fresh ingredients and adjustment with pasta water help maintain a delicate, balanced texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 2 lemon plural
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 3/4 teaspoon salt more to taste if needed
- black pepper to taste, ground
- 1/4 cup basil chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest from the spaghetti.
- While pasta is cooking, zest and juice the lemons. You should get about 1/2 cup of lemon juice. If not, fill up the rest of the 1/2 cup with bottled lemon juice.
- In a small bowl, add lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined.
- Toss spaghetti with the lemon sauce until it is evenly coated. Add lemon zest and basil.
- Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings to the pasta and thickens a little.
- Top with more fresh basil, lemon zest, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe is quick to prepare and suitable for weeknight meals.
- Leftover lemon spaghetti pairs well with added vegetables like broccoli or proteins like chicken or salmon for a complete lunch.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, helping it cling to the noodles smoothly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 365 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 365kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 318mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 172mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 94IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 90mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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