Pasta with Lemon Olive Oil
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly simple, this Pasta with Lemon Olive Oil is the perfect dish for showcasing fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe balances al dente pasta with the richness of extra virgin olive oil, the zing of fresh lemon juice and zest, and a touch of garlic for a savory kick. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese melts into a luscious sauce, while optional red pepper flakes add a hint of spice. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this effortlessly elegant dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or a light yet satisfying lunch. Whether you’re a fan of quick pasta recipes or crave Mediterranean-inspired meals, this lemon olive oil pasta will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 60 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 units garlic cloves, minced
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using, and continue to cook for another 30 seconds.
Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, transfer it to the skillet with the lemon olive oil mixture. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to help create a silky sauce, tossing after each addition.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and adjust salt to taste. Continue tossing until the cheese melts and the sauce clings to the pasta.
Divide the pasta among serving bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
346 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.2 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 7 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 679 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.4 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 153 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 98 mg | 2% | |
*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.
