Name: Lemon Pasta - Pasta Al Limone
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 7 oz Spaghetti (oder pasta of choice); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon (juice and grated zest); ¼ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated); salt & pepper (to taste)

Whip up the zestiest Lemon Pasta with our foolproof recipe! Perfect for brightening up your dinner table with a creamy, tangy twist. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a fresh take on Italian cuisine right in your kitchen.

lemon pasta on a plate with golden cutlery

Lemon Pasta, or Pasta al Limone, is the perfect mix of citrus zest and comforting pasta. The creamy lemon sauce delivers a lightness that’s just right for warm summer days. It’s a culinary experience that awakens the senses and conjures up a piece of Italy on your plate.

So, what makes this pasta stand out? It’s the seamless blend of simple, yet high-quality ingredients. The acidity of the lemon elevates the pasta to a whole new level of flavor. Cream and Parmesan add a delightful richness. It’s no surprise that this dish is a favorite in many Italian homes.

pasta al limone on a plate next to a lemon

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to easily prepare this creamy Lemon Pasta recipe, so you can enjoy this Italian classic at home. All you need is a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes until this pasta dish is ready to serve!

Ingredients

See recipe card for quantities.

Pasta – Spaghetti is classic and probably the most well-known choice for Lemon Pasta. But Fettuccine, Linguine, Pappardelle, Tagliatelle, or Angel Hair Pasta are also excellent because they hold the sauce well and provide a pleasant texture.
Lemon – Since you’ll be using the zest and the juice, opt for organic lemons if possible.
Cream – For the necessary creaminess! You can use heavy cream or a version with less fat. I even like to use oat or soy cream as an alternative.
Parmesan – For that distinctive cheesy taste. Use finely grated Parmesan cheese, as it melts more quickly.
Olive Oil – Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil or butter, if you prefer.
Salt & Black Pepper – To taste.

Visual Step-by-Step Instructions

This visual step-by-step instruction will help you along the way – definitely recommended if you’re a cooking beginner!

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta through a sieve.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add lemon zest and sauté for 2 minutes on low heat. Add fresh lemon juice and let it reduce for another 3 minutes. Add cream, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta cooking water. Stir over low to medium heat until the cheese has melted.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the lemon sauce for one minute, stirring constantly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, garnish the Lemon Pasta with chopped fresh parsley.

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Variations

Lemon Pasta, or as we affectionately call it, Spaghetti al Limone, is so versatile that you can let your creativity run wild. 🍋🍝 Here are some recipe variations that you can try. Have fun experimenting!

Garlic – If you love garlic, you can sauté a finely sliced clove with the olive oil for a lemon garlic pasta version.
Chili – A finely chopped chili can be fried in the olive oil as well. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick.
Nuts – For an extra bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top. They add a pleasant texture and extra flavor to the dish.
Vegetables – Fresh spinach, peas, broccoli, zucchini, or even asparagus can add a fresh, crisp element. Simply stir into the pasta just before serving.
Ricotta – A dollop of fresh Ricotta on top of the finished pasta adds extra creaminess and a touch of luxury.
Lemon Basil Pasta – For a herbal upgrade, add a handful of freshly chopped basil. The combination of lemon and basil is simply divine!
Vegan – Substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or soy cream, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta!

spaghetti with creamy lemon sauce on a plate

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan with a little water.

More Quick Pasta Recipes

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5 from 1 vote

Lemon Pasta – Pasta Al Limone

Whip up the zestiest Lemon Pasta with our foolproof recipe! Perfect for brightening up your dinner table with a creamy, tangy twist. Ready in 15 minutes, it's a fresh take on Italian cuisine right in your kitchen.

By: Aline Cueni

Servings: 2

calories :510kcal

Prep :5

Cook :10

Total :15

email me this recipe 💌

Plus, enjoy weekly doses of recipe inspiration as a bonus!

Ingredients

▢ 7 oz Spaghetti, oder pasta of choice
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ 1 lemon, juice and grated zest
▢ ¼ cup heavy cream
▢ ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
▢ salt & pepper , to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta through a sieve.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add lemon zest and sauté for 2 minutes on low heat. Add lemon juice and let it reduce for another 3 minutes. Add cream, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta cooking water. Stir over low to medium heat until the cheese has melted.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the lemon sauce for one minute, stirring constantly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.