Bright and Zesty Lemon Pasta
A light and refreshing pasta dish with vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and parmesan, perfect for spring.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Used for sautéing garlic.
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Add for flavor.
Flavor Components
- ¼ cup Lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest Adds a strong lemon flavor.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated) For a delicious finish.
- to taste Salt Season as desired.
- to taste Black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon juice, lemon zest, and some reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra zing, consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential; bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh flavor. If you prefer a creamier pasta, mix in a splash of cream or some more parmesan cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.