Italian Lemon Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Italian Lemon Pasta is a bright and refreshing dish that combines simple ingredients for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it highlights the zesty aroma of lemon paired with the richness of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta (spaghetti or linguine works well)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 50g freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with the lemon zest and olive oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Step 3: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon juice for a tangier flavor, but add it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
- For a creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon of butter along with the parmesan cheese.
- To make it more substantial, add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any long pasta like fettuccine or even short pasta like penne can be used. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat. To keep it vegetarian, ensure the parmesan cheese used does not contain animal rennet.
PrintItalian Lemon Pasta Recipe
This Italian Lemon Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with the bright zest of lemon, smooth olive oil, and the savory depth of parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light, refreshing dish any time of year.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Lemon Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and olive oil. Stir to blend the flavors.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the hot pasta to the bowl with lemon and oil. Toss vigorously to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Add Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss once more to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional lemon zest or Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor; avoid the bitter white pith.
- Reserve pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings well to the noodles.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan to your taste preference for a stronger or milder cheesy flavor.
- Can be enhanced with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and aroma.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: Italian pasta, lemon pasta recipe, quick pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, easy lemon pasta, lemon zest pasta
