Name: Pasta al Limone Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Kosher salt, for pasta water; 12 oz. spaghetti; 1 lemon; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

Pasta al Limone is a bright and creamy Italian dish that combines fresh lemon flavor with Parmesan and butter for a simple yet elegant meal. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick, refreshing pasta that’s full of zest and richness.

The dish shows three neat bundles of thick, pale yellow spaghetti arranged on a round white plate. Each bundle has a smooth, slightly glossy texture with small black pepper specks sprinkled on top and thin yellow lemon zest curls adding brightness. A fresh lemon wedge with visible segments sits beside the pasta on the lower right side. A black fork is angled across the bottom left of the plate, with several strands of spaghetti caught on its tines. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and a clear glass with a gold rim is partially visible near the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Kosher salt
12 oz. spaghetti
1 lemon
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 cup finely grated Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Meanwhile, use a vegetable peeler to slice off 1 to 2 strips of lemon peel, avoiding as much white pith as possible. Cut the peel into thin strips and set aside for serving. Zest the remaining lemon directly into a large saucepan, then juice the lemon into a small bowl.
Step 3: Add the heavy cream and butter to the saucepan with the lemon zest. Bring to a low simmer over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to infuse the lemon flavor into the mixture.
Step 4: Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat in the lemon cream sauce. Add the grated Parmesan and continue to toss until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Gradually ladle up to 1 cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
Step 5: Drizzle the lemon juice over the pasta and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Top with the reserved lemon peel strips before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra brightness, add a handful of fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
If you like a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice gradually to taste.
Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover pasta al limone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a neat pile of creamy spaghetti, with a smooth, light yellow sauce coating each strand. The pasta is topped with a sprinkle of finely grated yellow lemon zest and a few specks of black pepper. To the right of the spaghetti, there are three thin lemon slices arranged partially on the plate. A silver fork lies on the left edge of the plate. In the background, two lemon halves rest on a white marbled surface along with a beige cloth. The colors are soft, with white and pale yellow tones standing out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce works well with various pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating?

Reheat slowly over low heat and stir continuously. Adding a little cream or reserved pasta water can help keep the sauce creamy and prevent separation.