Lemon Poppy Seed Noodles
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, Lemon Poppy Seed Noodles are a refreshing twist on your favorite pasta night. This easy-to-make dish combines tender spaghetti or fettuccine with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce, enriched by the nutty crunch of poppy seeds and the savory bite of Parmesan cheese. A hint of garlic and the optional garnish of fresh parsley elevate the flavors, creating a light yet decadent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With only 25 minutes from prep to table, this recipe is your go-to choice for a quick and elegant dinner. Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 100 milliliters heavy cream
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 liter water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the water.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the lemon zest and poppy seeds, cooking for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
Add the lemon juice and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to slightly thicken.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Season with black pepper and additional salt to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 114.8 g | 147% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.9 g | 300% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 264 mg | 88% | |
| Sodium | 3197 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 102.6 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.9 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 38.7 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 763 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 360 mg | 8% | |
*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.
