Lemon Parmesan Pasta combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the rich, savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of bright and comforting flavors, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
You’ll love Lemon Parmesan Pasta for its simplicity and vibrant taste. The tangy lemon perfectly complements the savory Parmesan, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
This dish comes together quickly, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with your favorite protein or enjoyed on its own. We love it with chicken piccata.
Helpful Tips
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese make a significant difference in flavor. Avoid pre-packaged lemon juice and pre-grated Parmesan for the best results.
- Before draining your pasta, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. Adding a splash of this water to your sauce helps to achieve a silky, cohesive texture.
- The balance of lemon and Parmesan can be adjusted to suit your preference. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add extra lemon juice. For a richer taste, increase the amount of Parmesan cheese.
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Easy Lemon Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227 g) spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) salted butter
- 3 tablespoons (44 ml) high-quality Extra Virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of that lemon
- 1/2 cup (50 g) fresh Parmesan cheese grated (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt I prefer flake salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Before draining your pasta, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the rest and set aside.
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the salted butter and olive oil. When the butter has melted and begins to foam, add the garlic. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Stir to combine. Then add the spaghetti to the pan and Toss to coat. Add a splash of the pasta water to your sauce to help achieve a silky, cohesive texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese make a significant difference in flavor. Avoid pre-packaged lemon juice and pre-grated Parmesan for the best results.
- Before draining your pasta, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. Adding a splash of this water to your sauce helps to achieve a silky, cohesive texture.
- The balance of lemon and Parmesan can be adjusted to suit your preference. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add extra lemon juice. For a richer taste, increase the amount of Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.
