Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. The sharp tang of fresh lemon combined with the richness of olive oil and Parmesan cheese creates a balance that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings, yet it still delivers bold and vibrant flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, lemon pasta is easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the lemon mixture, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue tossing until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed tofu for extra protein.
Vegetables: Try adding some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted broccoli for added flavor and texture.
Creamy Version: For a creamy lemon pasta, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or crème fraîche with the lemon juice.
Herbs: In addition to parsley, try using basil, thyme, or oregano for a different herbal twist.
Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a diced chili pepper to the garlic.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover lemon pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat and add a little bit of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

How do I make lemon pasta more creamy?

To make lemon pasta creamy, simply add a bit of heavy cream, milk, or crème fraîche along with the lemon juice. This will create a richer sauce while maintaining the fresh lemon flavor.

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Spaghetti and fettuccine are popular choices, but penne, linguine, or any pasta shape you like will work well.

Can I freeze leftover lemon pasta?

Lemon pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can be frozen for up to a month. When reheating, be aware that the sauce may separate, so it’s best to add a bit of extra olive oil or cream when reheating.

Is there a vegan version of lemon pasta?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast, and using olive oil in place of any butter.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While lemon pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Combine them just before serving and reheat as needed.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicy kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing, or incorporate a diced chili pepper along with the lemon juice.

What type of cheese can I use besides Parmesan?

Besides Parmesan, you can try using Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or Asiago for a similar flavor profile. For a different twist, goat cheese or ricotta could also work.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but if you need to use bottled lemon juice, just ensure it’s 100% lemon juice without added preservatives.

What kind of herbs should I use with lemon pasta?

Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme complement the lemony flavor nicely. You can experiment with different herbs based on your taste preferences.

Can I add other vegetables to lemon pasta?

Yes! Try adding sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Lemon pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a fresh, tangy twist on traditional pasta dishes. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or as a side dish to complement other dishes, lemon pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Lemon Pasta

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Lemon pasta is a tangy, refreshing dish that pairs zesty lemon with the smooth comfort of pasta. This light yet indulgent recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious meal on busy evenings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add lemon: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the lemon mixture. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to help coat the pasta with the sauce.
Finish the dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Continue tossing until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu for extra protein.
Vegetables: Try adding sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted broccoli for added flavor and texture.
Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or crème fraîche for a creamy twist.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chili peppers for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 15mg