4.6 from 96 votes
Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs
Lemon Spaghetti with Toasted Garlic Breadcrumbs features al dente spaghetti tossed in a lemon-parmesan sauce accented by butter and a touch of olive oil. Toasted ciabatta breadcrumbs cooked with garlic add a crunchy, savory topping. The bright lemon zest and juice balance the richness, while red pepper flakes provide optional heat. This pasta showcases simple ingredients combined for refreshing yet satisfying flavor.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
18 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
424 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 424
% 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.