Lemon and Red Pepper Pasta
Brighten up your weeknight dinners with this zesty and flavorful Lemon and Red Pepper Pasta recipe! This quick and easy dish combines tender spaghetti with the bold kick of red pepper flakes, the refreshing tang of lemon zest and juice, and a rich, velvety Parmesan cheese sauce. Sautéed garlic infused in olive oil forms the aromatic base, while a splash of reserved pasta water creates the perfect glossy coating for every strand of pasta. Finished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this 25-minute pasta is a must-try for lovers of simple yet sophisticated meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party, this recipe offers a vibrant twist on classic Italian flavors that's sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 120 ml pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
While the pasta cooks, finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the red pepper flakes, allowing them to infuse the oil for about 30 seconds.
Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to loosen the sauce as needed.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1091 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.7 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 2694 mg | 117% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 104.3 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 35.0 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 527 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 344 mg | 7% | |
*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.
