Delicious Spaghetti with Lemon Recipe
Spaghetti with lemon is a delightful and refreshing pasta dish that celebrates the simplicity of Italian cuisine. This recipe combines the bright flavor of lemon with the creaminess of butter and the savory richness of Parmesan cheese, striking the perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dish is ideal for a quick weekday meal or an elegant dinner option. It’s a flavorful testament to how a few quality ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 400 grams (14 oz) spaghetti
- 2 large organic lemons (zest and juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 50 grams (1.8 oz) butter
- 50 grams (1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crème fraîche, a dollop
- Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the lemon peel (only the yellow part, as the white is bitter) and juice of 1 lemon in the water. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Lemon Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, heat the Extra Virgin olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until they start to turn golden. Stir in the lemon zest and a dollop of crème fraîche, mixing well.
3. Combine the Pasta with the Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, along with half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a extra spicy kick, you can add optional a pinch of chili flakes.
5. Serve:
Divide the spaghetti among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, extra lemon zest and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a lemon wedge on the side and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Recipe Variations
This recipe offers a perfect balance of lemony freshness and the savory flavor of Parmesan and garlic. This dish can be customized by adding shrimp, spinach, or capers for extra flavor.
Enjoy this simple yet elegant and summery lemon spaghetti dish—perfect for any occasion!
