Lemon Pepper Noodles
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly simple, these Lemon Pepper Noodles are the perfect weeknight comfort food with a gourmet twist. Featuring silky spaghetti coated in a luscious blend of butter, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, this dish gets its signature flair from aromatic garlic, tangy lemon zest, and a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Finished with a glossy Parmesan cheese sauce and optional fresh parsley, this pasta recipe is a celebration of bold, fresh flavors that come together in just 25 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner idea or an elegant side dish, Lemon Pepper Noodles deliver a burst of citrusy delight in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 g spaghetti (or any long pasta)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 liters water for boiling pasta
Instructions
Bring 2 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.
In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and cook for 30 seconds to release the aroma.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your Lemon Pepper Noodles!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
411 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.5 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 41 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 1149 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.4 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 11.8 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 143 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 129 mg | 3% | |
*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.
