Have you ever tasted the sun? That’s what comes to mind when I think of this Easy Spaghetti al Limone. It’s a dish that’s somehow both vibrant and comforting, like finding a forgotten favorite song on a rainy afternoon—simple ingredients singing in harmony. If you’ve ever felt like your pasta needed a little zing, a touch of sunny zest, this is the recipe you didn’t know you were missing.
Steps
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside, remembering to save 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, fresh lemon juice, and 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir until the butter fully melts.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the lemon butter mixture. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt completely.
- Transfer the pasta to warm bowls to help maintain the sauce’s consistency. Drizzle each serving with olive oil, add a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve the dish immediately.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles
- 1 lemon, juiced (approximately 3 tablespoons)
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, quartered for squeezing over the finished dish
FAQ
- What is Spaghetti Limone?
- Spaghetti Limone is a simple yet delicious pasta dish featuring spaghetti noodles tossed in a buttery lemon sauce, finished with olive oil and parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a fast meal.
- Why is pasta water used in this recipe?
- Pasta water is key in many sauce-based pasta recipes because it helps thicken the sauce and ensures it evenly coats the noodles. It also adds a subtle salty flavor that complements the dish’s ingredients.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
- Yes, you can substitute bottled lemon juice for fresh lemon juice, although freshly squeezed lemon is recommended for the best flavor. Use about 2 1/2 tablespoons of bottled juice if needed.
- How should I store leftover Spaghetti Limone?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- Why should I serve the pasta in warm bowls or plates?
- Serving Spaghetti Limone in warm dishes prevents the lemon butter sauce from hardening, allowing you to enjoy the dish’s creamy texture. Warm your bowls in the microwave or over the pasta water before serving.
Tips
- Reserve Pasta Water: When draining the spaghetti, make sure to save some pasta water. This starchy liquid helps the lemon butter sauce adhere to the noodles and enhances the dish’s flavor.
- Warm Your Serving Dishes: To prevent the lemon butter sauce from solidifying, serve the pasta in pre-warmed bowls or plates. You can warm them in the microwave or over the boiling pasta water.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. Fresh juice contributes a brighter and more authentic lemon taste to the dish.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
Equipment
- Large Pot – for boiling the pasta.
- Large Skillet – for mixing the pasta with the sauce.
- Pasta Strainer or Colander – for draining the pasta.
- Lemon Juicer – for extracting juice from the lemon.
- Microplane or Fine Grater – for grating parmesan cheese.
- Serving Bowls – preferably microwave-safe to warm them up before serving.
