| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 35g | 8g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 5g | 15g | 0.8g |
Why I Love Italian Fresh Lemon and Garlic Pasta
The Fresh Lemon and Garlic Pasta recipe is a timeless classic that steals my taste buds every time I cook it. It’s the perfect balance of zesty brightness from the lemon, sharp yet fragrant kick from the garlic, and that salty, satisfying hit of parmigiano-reggiano. One might say the simplicity of this dish is reflective of my childhood in Texas — straightforward, yet bursting with flavors and memories. As you can guess, it’s not all tacos and ribs down south!
A Springtime Italian Recipe, Texas-Style
Although this dish might seem a world away from my typical Tex-Mex cuisine, it holds a special place in my heart. Inspired by the famous Italian chef Jamie Oliver, the Fresh Lemon and Garlic Pasta serves as a tribute to the intangible charm of Italian cooking. It’s a recipe that’s flexible, fun, and, in a way, reminds me of the vast landscapes of Texas — vibrant and teeming with diversity.
This recipe shines brightest in the spring when lemons are at their juiciest. The spaghetti gulps up all the citrusy goodness, while the garlic, freshly torn basil, and parsley dance around with savory notes, keeping your palate intrigued. If you are a fan of pasta Aglio e Olio, this dish tackles similar taste grounds, but with an extra citrus kick!
Lemon Garlic Pasta – Perfect Pairings
You’re in for a treat when it comes to pairing this Fresh Lemon and Garlic Pasta dish. Imagine a warm, crusty baguette tearing apart in your hands, ready to mop up those last drops of lemon-infused olive oil in your plate, or a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio accompanying your meal, its acidity complementing the lemony zing of the pasta beautifully. And while garlic and lemon may sound like strong flavours, I assure you, their marriage in this dish is nothing but harmony. It’s subtle, it’s bold, it’s everything you’d want in a comforting pasta dish.
It’s absolute magic what two such simple ingredients can do together. I can eat this pasta alone or pair it with a simple roast chicken or grilled shrimp. This versatile nature of Fresh Lemon and Garlic Pasta makes it a crowd favorite, and that’s why I keep coming back to it. You can go here for an easy yet sophisticated roast chicken recipe that complements this pasta like a dream.
So there you have it, a simple, lemony pasta that tastes anything but, sending familiar yet unexpected waves of flavor in each bite, just like home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of spaghetti
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- Zest from 4 lemons
- Juice from 4 lemons
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
First off, fill a large pot with water, adding a pinch of salt, and bring it to the boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook until al dente, using the package instructions.
Step Two
Whilst the spaghetti is cooking, take a large skillet and put it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute until it becomes fragrant, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
Step Three
Remove the skillet from heat and carefully add the lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Four
Once your spaghetti is perfectly al dente, drain the water and add the spaghetti to your skillet. Give it a good toss to make sure the spaghetti is thoroughly coated in the flavorful garlic and lemon sauce.
Step Five
Now it’s time to add your cheese. Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the pasta, and then toss it again to ensure every strand of spaghetti is covered with a delicious cheesy layer. If the pasta seems a bit dry, feel free to drizzle some more olive oil.
Step Six
For the final touch, scatter the torn basil leaves and chopped parsley over the pasta. Give it one final stir, and voila, your Fresh Lemon and Garlic Pasta is ready to serve!
