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
Scale
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
