Elevate your pasta night with this simple yet sophisticated Poppy Seed Pasta recipe, featuring the nutty crunch of toasted poppy seeds paired with a vibrant touch of lemon and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfectly al dente spaghetti or linguine is coated in a luscious sauce of melted butter, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil, creating a luxurious base for the subtle brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, while the savory depth of Parmesan ties it all together. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy dinner idea is ideal for busy weeknights or as an elegant dish for entertaining guests. Serve it warm and garnished with extra cheese for a satisfying, flavor-packed experience. Keywords: Quick pasta recipe, poppy seed pasta, lemon pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Parmesan pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted and begins to foam.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the poppy seeds and cook for 1 minute to toast them lightly, enhancing their nutty flavor.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, using tongs to mix it thoroughly with the butter and poppy seed mixture.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and coat the pasta.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories |
1646 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.5 g | 134% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.2 g | 226% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 184 mg | 61% | |
| Sodium | 3402 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.2 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 52.2 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1014 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 500 mg | 11% | |
*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.