Preserved Lemon Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Preserved Lemon Pasta offers a bright and tangy twist on a classic dish. With the unique flavor of preserved lemons paired with garlic and Parmesan, it’s a simple yet vibrant meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or other long pasta
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- ⅓ cup finely chopped preserved lemons, plus 2 tablespoons of brine
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino, plus more for topping
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Handful of basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Step 2: Return the pot to medium heat. Add the butter, grated garlic, and chopped preserved lemon, stirring until the butter melts. Add the pasta back to the pot along with the preserved lemon brine, Parmesan, and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta, adding more pasta water (¼ to ½ cup) if it seems dry. Taste and season lightly with salt and generously with pepper, then toss again to combine.
- Step 3: To serve, divide the pasta among plates. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with more grated Parmesan, and scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have preserved lemons, you can make a quick version by mixing lemon zest with a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice as a substitute.
- Use pecorino instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor.
- For a richer dish, add a splash of cream or a handful of toasted pine nuts on top.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What are preserved lemons and where can I find them?
Preserved lemons are lemons that have been salted and fermented, resulting in a mellow, tangy flavor. They are commonly found in Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores, or you can make your own at home.
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works well as it holds the sauce nicely. Feel free to experiment with different shapes based on your preference.
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Preserved Lemon Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bright and zesty Preserved Lemon Pasta featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with vibrant preserved lemons and Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh basil and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dish balances tangy, savory, and fresh elements for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or other long pasta
Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- ⅓ cup finely chopped preserved lemons (about 2 small preserved lemons)
- 2 tablespoons preserved lemon brine
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, plus more for topping
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: Place the empty pot back on medium heat. Add the butter, grated garlic, and finely chopped preserved lemons. Stir continuously until the butter fully melts and the garlic and lemons release their aroma, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta back into the pot along with the 2 tablespoons of preserved lemon brine, 1 cup of grated Parmesan, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add between ¼ to ½ cup more pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Season and Finish: Taste the pasta and season lightly with salt if needed. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper and give the pasta a final toss to distribute the seasoning well.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top, and scatter fresh basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Preserved lemons add a unique tangy flavor; if unavailable, you can substitute with lemon zest and a touch of lemon juice but the traditional flavor will be less pronounced.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water—it contains starches that help emulsify and thicken the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your preference for pungency.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: preserved lemon pasta, lemon pasta, pasta with preserved lemons, garlicky pasta, Mediterranean pasta recipe
