Spaghetti Al Limone
Bright, fragrant, and irresistibly creamy, Spaghetti Al Limone is a celebration of simplicity and bold flavors. This Italian classic pairs al dente spaghetti with a luscious lemon-cream sauce made from unsalted butter, heavy cream, and vibrant lemon juice and zest. A touch of Parmesan cheese adds depth, while fresh basil leaves deliver a burst of aromatic freshness. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this elegant dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks craving restaurant-quality flavor at home. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an indulgent yet refreshing twist on traditional pasta recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 4 L water
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the mixture slightly thicken.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the pan, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the lemon-cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta, adding a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish the spaghetti with fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
429 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.3 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.6 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 794 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 11.9 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 69 mg | 1% | |
*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.
