Lemon Garlic Pasta (Pasta Al Limone)
Ingredients
- 180 g pasta
I've used spaghetti
- 1 large lemon
- 50 g finely grated parmigiano reggiano or more to taste
parmesan cheese
- 4 large garlic cloves diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Handful chopped fresh parsley
- Extra parmigiano reggiano cheese
olive oil and red pepper flakes, optional
Directions
- 1
Start to boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Ensure to heavily salt the water and save some pasta water!
- 2
Whilst the pasta is cooking, saute the garlic in olive oil in a large skillet. Cook on a low heat so that it infuses the oil and doesn't burn it
- 3
Using a microplane or cheese grater, grate the zest of the lemon. Once done, squeeze the juice of the same lemon and remove any seedsAdd the lemon zest and juice to the pan and allow to simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes
- 4
When the pasta is nearly cooked and nearly al dente, add the pasta straight to the pan with ½ a cup of pasta water to allow it to finish cooking in the pan over medium heatAdd the grated parmigiano cheese and mix through. If needed or the pasta is dry, add another ½ cup of pasta water and keep stirring for a couple of minutes to create a lovely creamy silky sauce
- 5
Stir in the chopped parsley and its ready to serve! Add a light drizzle of olive oil with more parmigiano cheese and enjoy your Lemon Garlic Pasta
Lemon Garlic Pasta (Pasta Al Limone)
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 38 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Dreaming of a bright, satisfying pasta dish that comes together in a flash? This Lemon Garlic Pasta, also known as Pasta Al Limone, is your answer to a truly effortless yet elegant meal. With just five core ingredients and a mere 15 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table tonight.
The genius of this Lemon Garlic Pasta lies in its ability to achieve a luxurious, creamy texture without a drop of actual cream. The combination of starchy pasta water, rich olive oil, and finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano emulsifies beautifully, coating each strand of spaghetti in a light, silky sauce. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create profound flavor.
What you can expect is a vibrant and comforting experience. Each forkful delivers a burst of fresh lemon zest, intertwined with the aromatic warmth of diced garlic. The spaghetti maintains its perfect al dente bite, enveloped in a sauce that’s bright and zesty without being overwhelming. It feels light on the palate, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week when you crave something truly delicious but don't want a heavy meal.
While perfect as is, you can easily tailor this Lemon Garlic Pasta to your preferences. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if spaghetti isn't on hand. Adjust the amount of Parmigiano Reggiano to make it cheesier, or add more garlic for an extra punch. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a subtle kick, and a generous handful of fresh parsley brightens the finish.
This versatile dish is wonderful as a light main course on its own, perhaps with a simple green salad, or as a flavorful side for roasted vegetables or grilled proteins. Serve immediately with extra cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for the ultimate enjoyment.