Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
18 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
424 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs
Description
This Lemon Spaghetti pairs spaghetti cooked until just firm with a sauce made from olive oil, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and butter, which melts into the warm pasta to create a silky coating. The flavor is tangy from the lemon and nutty from the cheese, balanced by a hint of heat from red pepper flakes if used. Freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt season the dish.
Toasted garlic breadcrumbs made by frying finely torn ciabatta bread in olive oil until golden, then cooking with minced garlic and seasoning with salt, add a crunchy contrast topping. These breadcrumbs provide a garlicky bite and textural contrast to the tender pasta. Fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese served alongside add aroma and extra layers of flavor.
This pasta can be served as a light main course or accompaniment. The lemon and garlic flavors offer brightness making it appropriate for warmer weather meals. Leftovers can be refrigerated and breadcrumbs stored separately for up to one week to maintain crispness.
Adding pasta water helps achieve the desired sauce consistency when tossing the pasta. The breadcrumbs should be cooked carefully to avoid burning and drained before serving. The dish benefits from freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the toasted breadcrumbs:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups ciabatta bread finely torn
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- kosher salt
For the spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- lemon zest of 1
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- crushed red pepper flakes to taste
- salt to taste, Kosher salt
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
- basil for serving, fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese
- Parmesan Cheese for serving, fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- To make the breadcrumbs: in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bread and cook, stirring occasionally, until bread is golden brown and toasted. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt, to taste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the pasta. Pour the pasta back into the pot.
- While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Pour the lemon sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Add the butter and toss until well combined, the butter will melt over the warm pasta. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss again. If you think the pasta needs a little more liquid, you can add a little more of the water.
- Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, to taste. Divide the pasta among bowls and garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and the toasted breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Keep toasted garlic breadcrumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 424 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 424kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 289mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 218mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 226IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 131mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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