Cracked Pepper Lemon Pasta
Transport your taste buds to gourmet simplicity with this Cracked Pepper Lemon Pasta, a vibrant yet comforting dish bursting with zesty and creamy flavors. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is coated in a luxurious sauce made with fragrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and rich heavy cream, all elevated by a hint of garlic and melted parmesan cheese. The bold kick of coarsely ground black pepper complements the citrus notes beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of heat and brightness. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this easy pasta recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or date nights. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Budget-friendly, quick, and packed with flavor, this lemon pepper pasta is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 whole lemons, zested and juiced
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, then lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to slightly thicken.
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Sprinkle the cracked black pepper and salt over the pasta, mixing well to distribute evenly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
501 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.4 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.3 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 600 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.6 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 13.8 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 259 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 166 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
