| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 399 | 14g | 4g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 3g | 16g | 0.45g |
Why I Love Italian Pasta with Lemon and Garlic
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The simplicity and zest of Pasta with Lemon and Garlic can instantly transport you to a sunny Italian piazza, no matter where you dine. The first time I twirled a fork through these lemon-infused strands, I knew it was a dish that could dance between the casual and the elegant with remarkable ease.
A Flavourful Journey in Every Bite
This Italian recipe is a beautiful symphony of flavors that harmoniously come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s not just the burst of citrus from the lemons or the aromatic kick from the garlic; it’s how every component elegantly weaves into another, creating an experience that’s refreshing and satisfying. As someone who appreciates food that tells a story, Pasta with Lemon and Garlic holds a special place on my table.
Elegantly Uncomplicated
The beauty of Pasta with Lemon and Garlic lies in its accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who rarely ventures beyond boiling water, this dish is approachable yet capable of impressing dinner guests with its seemingly complex flavor profile. It reminds me of how some of the most celebrated chefs, like the famed Lidia Bastianich, often emphasize the value of simplicity in Italian cooking.
The robustness of garlic, the zesty punch of lemon, and the subtle heat from red pepper flakes create a tapestry of flavors that are both enchanting and comforting. Much like the culinary mosaic of New York City, this dish brings together diverse elements in a way that feels both adventurous and familiar. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad or as a stunning precursor to a light, creamy dessert, allowing it to seamlessly fit into any menu.
Ultimately, the Pasta with Lemon and Garlic recipe is one that celebrates the joy of uncomplicated ingredients coming together to create a delightful culinary moment. It’s a testament to the power of quality ingredients and the wonders they can achieve when they’re allowed to truly shine.
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What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 3 tbs of olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbs of fresh chopped parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once the water has come to a steady boil, add a generous amount of salt then add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will make the dish bitter.
Step Three
Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet. Stir well, feeling free to add a bit of the reserved pasta water to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
Step Four
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the garlic-lemon sauce. If needed, add a little bit more pasta water to help spread the sauce evenly.
Step Five
Remove the skillet from heat and add the grated parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and a generous sprinkle of salt and ground black pepper. Toss again until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Step Six
Finally, taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking, then serve warm. Enjoy your Pasta with Lemon and Garlic!
