Pasta al limone, also called lemon pasta, is a delicious Italian dish that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with savory pasta. This simple yet elegant single serving dish is ready in 15 minutes!
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: lemon pasta, lemon sauce, pasta, pasta al limone, spaghetti
Cook the pasta in a medium-sized pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions to al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add lemon zest and garlic and cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute.
Stir the lemon juice.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss with the other ingredients.
Add 2 tablespoons of the pasta water and 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
Remove the skillet from the heat and add a pinch of salt if you feel it's necessary. Toss again to combine, and if needed, add a little bit more of the pasta cooking water. Transfer to a bowl, top with more Parmesan cheese and a little fresh basil if you have some on hand, and enjoy hot.
Notes
Expert Tips
Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. Pasta al limone comes together quickly so it's a good idea to have everything ready before beginning. Plus, if you have questions about any of the ingredients used or the recipe process, you will likely find the answers within the post.
Salt your pasta cooking water. This ensures that your pasta is perfectly flavored from the start. Use ¾ to 1 teaspoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. Some of the pasta water is also going to be used to flavor the sauce.
Remember to save some of the pasta cooking water. This starchy liquid is perfect for adding additional flavor and helps the pasta and sauce hold together. It also helps to thicken the sauce.