Il Cucinologo
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Lemon Pasta

17/11/2023

Lemon pasta is a simple and aromatic dish, ideal for a light but flavorful dinner. Here’s how to prepare a delicious Italian-style lemon pasta.

Ingredients

  • 320 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine or your preferred long pasta)
  • Grated zest and juice of 2 unwaxed lemons
  • 60 g butter (preferably clarified for a finer result)
  • 200 ml fresh cream
  • 80 g finely grated Parmesan
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A bunch of fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and cook it al dente according to the package instructions.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the lemon zest and juice and let it infuse for a couple of minutes.

  3. Pour the cream into the skillet with the butter and lemon. Allow the cream to warm without reaching a boil. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until you obtain a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

  4. When the pasta is al dente, drain it and transfer it directly to the skillet with the lemon sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to make the sauce more fluid and toss the pasta for a few minutes over low heat until well coated.

  5. Serve the lemon pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil or parsley and, if desired, extra grated lemon zest.

Interesting Facts

Lemon pasta is a dish that stands out for its simplicity and its ability to highlight the fresh, aromatic flavor of lemon. It is particularly popular in Italian coastal regions, where lemon is one of the stars of local cuisine.