Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, zesty pasta that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy - without spending hours in the kitchen. This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta is your ticket to an incredibly delicious meal that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef, but can be whipped up faster than you can order takeout. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Once the garlic is ready, add the juice and zest of 1 lemon to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the lemon-garlic mixture. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors are well-distributed.
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Pasta al Limone) with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea. This is your first chance to build flavor.
- Use fresh garlic and zest your lemon right before cooking to maximize the vibrant, aromatic flavors.
- Reserve your pasta water before draining - the starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, smooth sauce.
- Add pasta water gradually when mixing your sauce. The starch helps create a creamy texture without adding extra fat.
- Don't overcook the garlic - it should be fragrant and lightly golden, not burnt, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the best melting and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature - this dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
