Description
Parmesan Lemon Pasta is a creamy and zesty pasta recipe made with fresh lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter. Perfect for weeknight dinners or light lunches, this easy pasta dish is packed with bright flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Discover this comfort food favorite and elevate your pasta nights with this citrusy twist.
Ingredients
225g spaghetti
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup reserved pasta water
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In the same pot or a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Reduce heat to low to avoid curdling the sauce.
4. Add the drained pasta back into the pot. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously to combine and create a creamy sauce.
5. Add more pasta water gradually as needed until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
Reserve pasta water before draining—it’s key to a silky sauce.
Taste before adding salt, as Parmesan can be quite salty.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg