Parmesan Lemon Pasta (Printable)

Creamy pasta with zesty lemon and Parmesan, 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)

# Directions:

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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lemon cuts through the richness so beautifully that you can finish the whole bowl without feeling heavy
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen right now
02 -
  • The pasta water is absolutely non-negotiable because that starch is what creates the creamy emulsion without adding any cream
  • Have everything measured and ready before you start because once you add the pasta to the skillet, you need to work quickly and confidently
03 -
  • Grate your Parmesan on the finest side of your box grater for the silkiest sauce texture possible
  • If your sauce looks too thick, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches that perfect glossy consistency

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