Easy Lemon Parmesan Pasta
Lemon Parmesan Pasta combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the rich, savory goodness of Parmesan cheese in this easy-to-make recipe.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lemon, Parmesan, Pasta
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 433kcal
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons high-quality Extra Virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of that lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese grated (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt I prefer flake salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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.
- 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.
Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 565mg | Potassium: 178mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 678IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 1mg