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Easy Lemon Pasta

โ˜… 6.2pastaitalianvegetarianquick

10 ingredients 8 steps

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then salt it well with kosher salt.
  2. Add 12 ounces spaghetti and cook per package instructions to al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
  3. 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.
  4. Add 6 large garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Whisk in Juice of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss over medium heat until well-coated.
  7. Remove from heat and add the following:
    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
    • Zest of 2 lemons
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  8. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water or olive oil if needed. Serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

From

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