Parmesan Lemon Pasta (Printable)
Zesty lemon meets creamy Parmesan in this quick Italian pasta, ready in 25 minutes.
# What you'll need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz spaghetti or linguine
→ Sauce
02 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
05 - Zest of 1 large lemon
06 - Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
07 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
08 - ¼ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
→ Garnishes
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - Sea salt, to taste
11 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
12 - Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
03 - Stir in the lemon zest and juice, allowing the mixture to warm through for about 30 seconds.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Gradually add the grated Parmesan, stirring constantly. Pour in the reserved pasta water little by little, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and clings to the pasta.
05 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This dish comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
- The bright lemon cuts through the rich parmesan creating perfect balance
02 -
- The pasta water must be hot when you add it or the sauce will not emulsify properly
- Add parmesan off the heat or it might separate and turn grainy instead of smooth
03 -
- Use the largest skillet you own so the pasta has room to move
- Reserve more pasta water than you think you need because it is easier to add than subtract