Description
This Pasta Al Limone is a luscious and creamy lemon-infused spaghetti dish that perfectly balances bright citrus flavors with rich butter and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and elegant Italian meal ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz. spaghetti
- Kosher salt, for boiling water
For the Sauce and Topping
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare Lemon Peel and Zest: Use a vegetable peeler to slice off 1 to 2 strips of lemon peel with minimal pith. Cut peel into thin strips and set aside for garnish. Zest the remaining lemon directly into a large saucepan. Juice the lemon into a small bowl and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Add the heavy cream and butter to the saucepan with the lemon zest. Warm over low heat and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to allow the zest to infuse the sauce. Do not boil.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Using tongs, transfer the drained pasta directly into the saucepan. Toss to coat well with the lemon cream mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add up to 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan, tossing continuously, until the sauce is glossy, smooth, and clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the pasta and season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Top the dish with the reserved lemon peel strips for an aromatic and decorative finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To avoid bitterness, remove as much of the white pith as possible from the lemon peel.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce thickness and texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Pasta al Limone, Lemon Pasta, Creamy Lemon Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe, Quick Pasta Dinner, Lemon Butter Pasta
