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Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Fresh Zest

Close-up of Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Fresh Zest, featuring linguine noodles coated in a creamy sauce, topped with lemon slices and herbs.
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A simple and elegant Italian pasta dish featuring fettuccine or spaghetti in a silky, lemon-scented cream sauce with butter, fresh lemon juice, zest, black pepper, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This quick 30-minute recipe is perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon packed lemon zest
  • 1 ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano plus more to garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until butter melts and mixture simmers gently for 20 seconds.
  2. Pour in heavy cream, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, until sauce reduces and thickens by one-quarter, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. While sauce simmers, cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta.
  5. Stir grated Parmigiano-Reggiano into the cream sauce over low heat until melted and smooth. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra black pepper, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and lemon zest.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for best results.
  • Simmer sauce gently; do not boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper before combining with pasta.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Parmesan Pasta, Pasta al Limone, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Italian Food, Creamy Lemon Pasta, Fresh Zest Pasta

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/lemon-parmesan-pasta-with-fresh-zest/