Description
This vibrant Lemon Pasta recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant olive oil, garlic, and fresh parsley sauce, brightened with lemon zest and juice. Finished with freshly grated parmesan, this quick and easy dish bursts with fresh flavors making it perfect for a light, refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked (reserve ½ cup pasta water)
Sauce
- 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
- Cook Pasta: 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 cooking water for the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper. Cook while stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon & Seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and the reserved pasta water. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors, about 1 minute.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Cook and toss for about 1 minute until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
- Finish with Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it clings to the pasta, creating a silky sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parsley and parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- This fresh lemon pasta is simple to prepare with minimal ingredients including garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water which helps create a flavorful sauce.
- Reserve pasta water is key to emulsifying the sauce and coating the pasta perfectly.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred level of spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Freshly grated parmesan is strongly recommended for best flavor and melting quality.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant freshness of the lemon and herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oz cooked pasta
- Calories: 292 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 151 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
