Lemon Pasta Recipe

“`html

If you are craving a bright, fresh, and satisfyingly creamy pasta that bursts with zesty tang and rich buttery flavor, this Lemon Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. Combining the vibrant punch of fresh lemons with garlicky butter and the comforting charm of Parmesan cheese, this dish is both effortlessly elegant and comforting. Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining, this Lemon Pasta Recipe shines with minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum flavor, making it a go-to favorite that never fails to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to making this Lemon Pasta Recipe sing. Each component plays a crucial role in layering flavors—from the bright lemon zest that awakens your palate to the creamy Parmesan that wraps the pasta in luscious richness.

• 4 quarts water: Essential for cooking the spaghetti to perfect tenderness without sticking.
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt: Adds seasoning to the pasta water and enhances overall flavor.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick): Provides a silky, rich base for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances richness with fruity depth and prevents the butter from burning.
• 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 pound): The classic pasta choice that elegantly carries the lemony sauce.
• 2 fresh lemons (juiced and zested; zest divided): Supplies the bright, tangy backbone of the dish—use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth and a subtle bite to the sauce.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and a creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Seasons the sauce delicately, balancing the lemon’s acidity.
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers mild heat and complexity.
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Italian flat-leaf preferred): Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant green color.
• Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper: Optional garnishes to customize your serving.

How to Make Lemon Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This salty water not only cooks the spaghetti but also seasons it from the inside out, creating the foundation for a flavorful dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon-Butter Base

While waiting for the water to boil, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil together in a large sauté pan over low heat. This gentle heat marries the fats without browning, resulting in a smooth and fragrant sauce base ready to catch all the lemon and garlic flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

Once your water is boiling vigorously, add the dry spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping and cook according to package instructions, aiming for al dente to maintain that perfect tender bite that pairs so well with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Infuse the Butter with Lemon Zest and Garlic

Add half of your lemon zest — about 1 tablespoon — and all 3 cloves of minced garlic into the melted butter and olive oil mixture. Let them cook gently on low heat while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. This step allows the bright citrus oils and aromatic garlic to infuse deeply into the luscious base.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

When the timer hits 5 minutes, use a spaghetti server to transfer the pasta straight from the boiling water into the pan with the lemon-garlic butter. This trick helps the pasta absorb maximum flavor by mingling immediately with the sauce and pasta water.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Pasta Water

Pour in the juice of your 2 lemons along with 1 cup of the hot pasta cooking water right into the sauté pan. The hot liquid loosens the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to every strand of spaghetti while enhancing the lemon’s sharp, clean notes.

Step 7: Simmer to Finish Cooking

Keep the pan on low heat and cook the pasta in this lemon sauce mixture for 5 minutes, tossing often to ensure even coating. If needed, gradually add ¼ to ½ cup more pasta water to reach the perfect silky sauce consistency that glistens on each bite.

Step 8: Season and Enrich

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is vibrant, turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with 1 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. These seasonings round out the flavors, mellowing the citrus with creamy, savory depth.

Step 9: Plate and Finish

Divide the pasta evenly onto 4 large serving plates and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley on each. This final touch not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh herbal balance that complements the lemony brightness perfectly.

Step 10: Optional Garnishes for Extra Flair

Consider topping your Lemon Pasta Recipe with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, remaining lemon zest, and a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to let everyone tailor their plate exactly how they like it.

How to Serve Lemon Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little extra Parmesan on top right before serving elevates the creaminess, while fresh lemon zest brings that signature fragrance alive. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a fruity finish, and a crack of black pepper introduces subtle heat. These garnishes truly make the dish feel special and personalized.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t overshadow it. A crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli bring earthiness and texture, while crusty garlic bread invites soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful presentation, twist the pasta into individual nests on each plate using tongs or a fork, then sprinkle the parsley and cheese around it artfully. Serving in rustic bowls with a lemon wedge on the side invites your guests to add extra zing as they wish. Adding edible flowers or microgreens creates an elegant look perfect for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Pasta Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To best preserve the fresh lemon flavor and creamy texture, avoid overmixing before storing and keep any extra garnishes separate until reheating.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked pasta without the parsley and cheese for up to one month. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a nonstick skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to restore creaminess and prevent sticking. Avoid the microwave to maintain the sauce’s silky texture, and finish with fresh parsley and cheese once warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the Lemon Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, feel free to try linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you want a slightly different texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this Lemon Pasta Recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

The classic recipe includes butter and Parmesan cheese, which aren’t vegan. However, you can easily substitute vegan butter and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternatives to enjoy a dairy-free version.

How do I make sure the pasta doesn’t get mushy?

Cooking the pasta to al dente is key. Use a timer and test a strand a minute or two before the package’s suggested time. Also, tossing the pasta in the sauce and pasta water as it finishes cooking helps it absorb flavor without becoming overly soft.

Can I add protein to this Lemon Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pan-fried tofu complement the lemony flavors beautifully and turn the dish into a more substantial meal.

What makes the lemon flavor so vibrant without being overpowering?

Using both lemon zest and juice balances the bright citrus notes—zest contains essential oils that deliver aroma while juice adds acidity. Cooking them gently with butter and garlic mellows the sharpness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, you have to try this Lemon Pasta Recipe. It’s quick, delicious, and fresh with that perfect blend of creamy and bright flavors that make every bite a joy. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen—and your heart!

“`

Print