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This creamy and tangy pasta dish features fresh lemon cream sauce tossed with fresh pasta. This Spaghetti al Limone is vibrant, fresh, and perfectly creamy and is so easy to make!
This is the time of year in Arizona when all of our citrus is abundant on our trees and I am looking to make as many recipes using fresh lemons and oranges as possible.
I love using fresh lemon to brighten any dish…especially this Lemon Pasta made with fresh pasta. It is perfectly creamy, bright, fresh, and tangy. We love this easy weeknight meal because it can be whipped up in less than 15 minutes and is such a light and bright yet comforting meal.
Spaghetti al Limone Ingredients:
- Pasta: Begin with a high-quality pasta of your choice. Spaghetti, Linguine or Fettuccine works well, but you can experiment with different shapes to suit your preferences. My favorite way to make this lemon pasta is to make or buy fresh pasta.
- Fresh Lemons: Opt for fresh, juicy lemons to extract the vibrant citrus flavor. You’ll need both the zest and the juice.
- Butter: It adds a rich and creamy texture to the pasta.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient enhances the creaminess of the sauce, creating a luscious consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese to add a savory and salty element to the dish. It also contributes to the overall creaminess.
- Garlic: Minced garlic provides a subtle aromatic flavor that complements the citrusy notes of the lemon.
- Olive Oil: It pairs so well with the garlic and fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Red Chili Flakes: Adds a touch of heat that balances out the creaminess of the pasta.
Tips for making Homemade Lemon Cream Pasta:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a stellar Pasta al Limone lies in using fresh lemons, high-quality pasta, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust Consistency: Control the thickness of the sauce by adding reserved pasta water gradually. This ensures a creamy and evenly coated pasta.
- Balance Flavors: Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon levels to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While traditional choices like spaghetti, linguine and fettuccine work well, don’t hesitate to try different pasta shapes for a unique twist.
- Serve Immediately: Pasta al Limone is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve immediately to savor the creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
How to make Lemon Spaghetti:
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 – 3/4 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drizzle with olive oil and then add fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Transfer the pasta to the pan and toss with the sauce. Gradually add 1/2 cup of pasta water until desired thickness.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and basil ribbons (if so desired)
One of the primary reasons chefs swear by adding pasta water to their sauces is its ability to create a velvety, creamy texture. The starch in the water acts as a natural thickening agent, binding the sauce to the pasta. It also adds more flavor than water alone since the pasta water is salted.
There’s an unmistakable brightness and vibrancy that fresh lemon juice brings to a sauce. The essential oils present in the zest and the bright flavors that come from freshly squeezed lemon juice can’t compared to bottled lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can taste artificial and lacks the depth and subtlety that only fresh lemons can provide. Plus this recipe calls for lemon zest so fresh lemons are a must!
What are other names for Lemon Pasta?
I have already shared by Lemon Cream Pasta Recipe on Modern Honey which has similar flavors as this lemon pasta recipe. The biggest difference would be the amount of cream and the addition of parmesan cheese. Both recipes are absolutely delicious and highlight vibrant lemon flavors.
- Lemon Spaghetti
- Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- Linguine al Limone
- Fettuccine Limone e Parmigiano
- Pasta Limone e Burro
- Lemon Butter Pasta
Popular Pasta Recipes:
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Lemon Pasta (Spaghetti al Limone)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti *
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Lemon Zest from 2 Lemons
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 2 ounces Fresh Parmesan Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 – 3/4 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drizzle with olive oil and then add fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Transfer the pasta to the pan and toss with the sauce. Gradually add 1/2 cup of pasta water until desired thickness.
- Garnish with fresh lemon zest, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and basil ribbons (if so desired).
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was pretty amazing. And so quick and easy to make. My kids devoured this pasta. Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you so much for making my recipe.
It’s lemon time in Arizona and this is the absolute best “go to” dinner using lemons….easy and delicious!
Ohhhhh mama, what an amazing recipe! I absolutely loved this dish and it was so easy to make. It was packed with amazing flavor! The fresh pasta is a must and melts in your mouth. Great recipe that everyone absolutely loved!
Unreal pasta recipe!!! So fresh and light.
Looks and sounds yummy. I can wait to try this. Also all the ingredients are well in my budget! Definitely affordable