Easy Lemon Pasta
10 ingredients 8 steps
Ingredients
Directions
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- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then salt it well with kosher salt.
- Add 12 ounces spaghetti and cook per package instructions to al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
- When the pasta is nearly done (about 5 minutes in), heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 6 large garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in Juice of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss over medium heat until well-coated.
- Remove from heat and add the following:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Season with salt and black pepper. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water or olive oil if needed. Serve immediately.
Kitchen notes
Notes
- Cream-free โ the starch in the reserved pasta water emulsifies with the olive oil and lemon to make a silky sauce
- Reserve the pasta water before draining; add more at the end if the pasta looks dry
- Start the sauce when the pasta is about 5 minutes from done so they finish together