why make this recipe
Lemon Spaghetti is a delightful dish that combines the bright and zesty flavor of lemons with the comforting texture of pasta. It is not only quick to prepare but also deliciously refreshing, making it an excellent choice for any meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it brings a taste of Italian sunshine to your plate. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this flavorful dish in no time.
how to make Lemon Spaghetti
Ingredients :
- 1 pound spaghetti chitarra
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoons lemon oregano salt
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions :
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, season generously with salt and add the spaghetti chitarra. Cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
While the pasta cooks, whisk together the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and zest, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large bowl until well blended.
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Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the lemon-Parmesan mixture and toss to coat, adding the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time (about 1/4 cup at a time) until the sauce is silky and clings to the noodles.
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Allow this to sit for a few minutes, tossing occasionally – the sauce will thicken as the pasta soaks it up. Taste and season with additional lemon oregano salt as needed.
-
Garnish with lemon zest, fresh basil, and more Parmesan if desired.
how to serve Lemon Spaghetti
Lemon Spaghetti is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it warm, garnished with extra lemon zest and freshly chopped basil. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for added creaminess. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
how to store Lemon Spaghetti
If you have leftovers, store the Lemon Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Lemon Spaghetti
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the acidity by adding more or less lemon juice according to your taste preference.
- You can add other ingredients like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for additional protein.
variation
For a twist on this classic recipe, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as asparagus or spinach. You can also replace the basil with parsley or arugula for a different herb flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular spaghetti instead of spaghetti chitarra?
Yes, you can use any type of spaghetti you prefer. The cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
2. How can I make this dish vegan?
To make Lemon Spaghetti vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
3. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The fresh flavors are appealing, and the pasta can be a hit with kids. Just be mindful of the amount of lemon juice if your kids prefer milder flavors.
Lemon Spaghetti
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy Lemon Spaghetti recipe that brings a taste of Italian sunshine to your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti chitarra
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoons lemon oregano salt
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, season generously with salt and add the spaghetti chitarra. Cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and zest, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large bowl until well blended.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the lemon-Parmesan mixture and toss to coat, adding the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time (about 1/4 cup at a time) until the sauce is silky and clings to the noodles.
- Allow this to sit for a few minutes, tossing occasionally – the sauce will thicken as the pasta soaks it up. Taste and season with additional lemon oregano salt as needed.
- Garnish with lemon zest, fresh basil, and more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
