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Lemon Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

A bright and flavorful Lemon Pasta recipe featuring spaghetti tossed in a garlic, parsley, and lemon sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy dish offers a refreshing twist on classic pasta and can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti (cooked, with ½ cup pasta water reserved)

Sauce & Flavorings

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (plus more for serving)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more for salting pasta water)
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Black pepper for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add lemon and pasta: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and reserved pasta water. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well, cooking for about 1 minute until the pasta is heated through and coated with the sauce.
  4. Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese clings to the pasta evenly.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper amount to control spice level.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
  • For a creamier variation, add a splash of pasta cooking water or a small amount of cream.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its best texture.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/lemon-pasta-recipe/