Lemon Pasta
Lemon Pasta
Ingredients
For the Lemon Pasta
- 10 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, freshly chopped
- 1 lemon zest, from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, from 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, or preferred amount
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons for sautéing
- 2/3 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated, plus extra for serving
- as needed salt, for pasta water
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the lemon-cheese mixture. In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2/3 cup of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, and the lemon zest. Mix until fully incorporated. If the mixture appears too thick, add a bit more olive oil. If it seems too thin, add a little more cheese and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 2 min
- 4
Add the crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to infuse their flavor. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and add the unsalted butter, stirring until it completely melts.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Turn off the heat under the skillet. Immediately transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into the skillet with the garlic-butter mixture. Pour the lemon-cheese mixture over the pasta.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
Add the reserved 1/4 cup of pasta water to the skillet. Using tongs, mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is well incorporated. Add the freshly chopped parsley and mix again.
⏱️ 1 min
- 7
Taste the pasta and add more grated cheese if desired for a creamier texture or to enhance the flavor. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese on the side.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Lemon Pasta
For the Lemon Pasta
- 10 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, freshly chopped
- 1 lemon zest, from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, from 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, or preferred amount
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons for sautéing
- 2/3 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated, plus extra for serving
- as needed salt, for pasta water
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the lemon-cheese mixture. In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2/3 cup of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, and the lemon zest. Mix until fully incorporated. If the mixture appears too thick, add a bit more olive oil. If it seems too thin, add a little more cheese and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Add the crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to infuse their flavor. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and add the unsalted butter, stirring until it completely melts.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Turn off the heat under the skillet. Immediately transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into the skillet with the garlic-butter mixture. Pour the lemon-cheese mixture over the pasta.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
Add the reserved 1/4 cup of pasta water to the skillet. Using tongs, mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is well incorporated. Add the freshly chopped parsley and mix again.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Taste the pasta and add more grated cheese if desired for a creamier texture or to enhance the flavor. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese on the side.
⏱️ 1 min